Limpho Hani, widow of the late South African anti-apartheid hero and SACP leader Chris Hani, has criticised the government’s perceived failures, citing issues of historical revisionism.
Hani was delivering her address during the 31st Chris Hani Annual Commemoration held at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Cemetery in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday.
“This government has failed him [Hani] and all of us. I assure you that countless people who laid down their lives for our so-called freedom did not have this in mind,” Limpho told a sombre audience.
Pressing issues
She highlighted pressing concerns such as electricity shortages, citing the recent increase in load shedding. Also rising electricity tariffs imposed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
Limpho criticised the lack of planning by entities like the state-owned power utility, Eskom. She pointed out the staggering expenditure on diesel. Also the subsequent impact on transportation costs.
She also questioned the government’s priorities, noting the absence of subsidies for staple foods despite rising prices. She criticised what she perceived as a lack of political will to address the country’s challenges.
“There is no political will to change the lives of our people.”
Alteration of historical narratives
The commemoration also saw Limpho express concern over the alteration of historical narratives. She referenced the renaming of the Sharpeville Massacre to Human Rights Day. Limpho questioned whether future generations would understand the significance of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.
Hani’s widow raised the issue of electoral reform. She cited the Slabbert investigation’s recommendations for changes to the electoral system. The outspoken Limpho argued that the current proportional representation system favours political party bosses. This leaves out the interests of the people, and she called for a reassessment of the electoral process.
In her closing remarks, she urged the government to streamline its administration. She criticised the existence of a bloated cabinet with redundant deputy ministers.
“Voters should be able to vote for their preferred candidate directly, and not people who are beholden to political parties. I suggest that we revisit our constitution.”
Bloated Cabinet
“I would like to request to whoever becomes president after the elections not to have a bloated Cabinet. Some of these deputy ministers we don’t even know,” she said.
The commemoration of Chris Hani serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles facing South Africa. Hani was a prominent figure in the fight against apartheid. He was assassinated on April 10, 1993, by right-wing extremist Janusz Waluś. And event that nearly plunged the country into civil war. Waluś was released on parole in December 2022.
