The Africam National Congress(ANC) in the Eastern Cape is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of ANC veteran and struggle stalwart, Tatu Mfengu”Ndlovu”Makhalima (81) yesterday( Thursday 9 May 2019) evening.
Tatu Makhalima passed away peacefully after a long period of illness.
This is great loss to the ANC, the broader liberation movement and South Africa as a whole. His contribution to the South African struggle against apartheid has been quite immense. We have lost a revolutionary mentor and dear friend.
Comrade Makhalima was a gentle, humane and humble soul. He was a determined revolutionary who gave his entire life to the liberation struggle in our country. Comrade Mfengu Makhalima and the other titans of his generation took it upon themselves to organise and educate our people to become the makers of history. They unleashed the enormous energies of the masses of the people, creating a mighty force which not even the armed might of the brutal apartheid state could vanquish.
Bawu Ndlovu as he was passionately known , engaged in struggle not for personal gain or glory. He became a trade unionist, a communist and a fighter for national liberation because he understood the imperative that for the oppressed to achieve their liberation, they had to be organised; they had to act in unity; they had to be ready to make the necessary sacrifices, expecting no personal reward except the reward of freedom.
Tatu Makhalima served the Congress Movement selflessly with all his abilities. He leaves the responsibility to us all to build ANC and to revive its core values of Unity, Selflessness , Sacrifice, Collective leadership, Humility, Honesty, Discipline, Hard work, internal debates, constructive criticism as well as mutual respect.
At this hour of need, our condolences go to his family, friends and comrades. The ANC lowers its banner for this gigantic cadre and leader of our Congress Movement.
Details of the memorial service and funeral will be communicated later.
May his soul rest in peace .
Issued by :
Comrade Lulama Ngcukayitobi
ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary
Enquiries:
ANC Media & Liaison Officer
Judy Mpetsheni
Mobile No : 0636878267/ 0731176194
Gift Ngqondi
Head of Communications
Mobile: 0848439706
