The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape mourns the passing of former MKMVA Provincial Secretary and ANC MPL, Comrade Ncwadi Christopher Tunyiswa.
Comrade Ncwadi Tunyiswa nome de guerra Dick Dlomo passed away after a long illness. Ncwadi Christopher Tunyiswa was born at kwa-Nongqongqo in East London on June 13, 1957. He is the son of Mfolozi and Nomgqibelo MaChisana Tunyiswa (nee Kobese) from Twecu Location and Clarkebury respectively.
His formative years were spent at kwaNongqongqo where his parents had a thriving retail business. In 1963, the area was demolished to make space for a Mercedes Benz Manufacturing Plant.
He got his primary education at Mbolisela Primary School in Westbank. He then proceeded to Mzomhle High School, in Mdantsane. During his high school years, he stayed with the late Dabawo Nombeko Tunyiswa at NU9, Mdantsane. It was here where he met and made lifelong friends with Zolani Mtshotshisa, Pascal Macamba and Mzukile Fazzie. They introduced him to the student movement. By the time he attained his Junior Certificate, he was already active in politics.
Comrade Ncwadi and other stalwarts of his generation took it upon themselves to organize and educate our people to become makers of history. His generation unleashed the enormous energies of the masses of our people, creating a strong force which not even the repressive might of the brutal apartheid state could vanquish.
In 1970, Comrade Ncwadi was recruited by group of students who then formed a collective called “Organisation of African Black Youth” in East London. He was then elected as President of that organisation. They were inspired by Frelimo in Mozambique and the Frelimo Rallies were the most conscientising events at the time. In 1974, they joined the South African Student Movement (SASM) where they were then recruited by the ANC. He was also involved in the 1976 Riots with fellow Mzomhle High School students.
They were handpicked from SASM by the likes of Mzikhulu Gwentshe and Mxolisi “Slumber” Jayiya, who was already from Robben Island. Slumber was a great motivator who also introduced them to struggled-oriented music. Later on, they were formed into an underground cells of the ANC. The likes of Wandile Kese and Pascal Macamba formed part of their group.
While still in the country (South Africa), Comrade Ncwadi and other comrades including Mzukisi Skweyiya and the late Lean Meyer started a youth organisation. Boy Mnyaka also formed part of his group of friends who were instrumental in distributing pamphlets, commuting between South Africa and Lesotho regularly. In 1977, he joined Boy Mnyaka in Lesotho. From there, they moved to Mozambique then on to Angola for training, where he became a Commissar. In Angola he underwent general military training, military combat work.
Ncwadi was amongst the group that was sent to Viona. There, they spent a few days and were then taken to GDR (German Democratic Republic). In GDR, they were trained in guerrilla warfare. He often spoke well of the Germans and how astute they were. He was deployed to the Ordinance Department which dealt in Arms. His responsibilities included the distribution of Arms to MK soldiers scattered across Africa in countries including Angola, Zambia, Mozambique and other frontline state. He was then deployed to Saurimo in the Province of Luanda, Angola. Comrade Ncwadi also studied at Chibero College in Zimbabwe and finally settled in Sweden.
Comrade Ncwadi was able to lead, inspire and encouraged cadres and prepare them for difficult missions, informed by a clear political objective, to free South Africa from the yoke of apartheid repression and institutionalized racism. During his exile experience, Comrade Ncwadi received military training and was schooled in political theory which provided the support structure for his valiant contribution to the realization of our political freedom.
In 1992, he returned to South Africa and worked for different NGO’s. He then became active in the MKMVA (Mkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association) and worked on the development of the Armed Living Struggle Museum in East London. He worked tirelessly to make sure that they carried out the reburial of most MK soldiers who were killed by apartheid or died in Exile, in different parts of the world .He was also elected as the Provincial Secretary of MKMVA. He also served as an ANC member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature for a couple of years (?2014-2019?) including several oversight committees.
He is survived by his wife Noteku Vuyiwe Mbalentle Tunyiswa nee Mzamane, his son Ayanda, grandson Ahluma, his sisters Nolutukela and Nomvuyo, his nephew Luphumlo Mguca and two nieces; Luyolo Mguca and Aseza Ndleleni.
We lower our revolutionary banners in honour of this revolutionary giant of our Congress Movement who has made it possible for us to enjoy democracy and freedom in our lifetime.
Hamba kakuhle nyana ka Mfolozi, kaNgwadi, kaJonathan, kaTunyiswa, Hlongwane,Matiwane, Masumpa, Mvelase.
Issued by :
ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Communications
Enquiries :
Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No :?0848439706?/?0849519924?
