Mbeki lashed at Chris Hani service

By Hlengiwe Mnguni
Published in HIV/AIDS News by LearnScapes, issue 295
11/04/2008

Johannesburg – Chris Hani would have been disappointed at the recent tripartite leadership, and the inequality and unemployment still a reality in South Africa. This is according to speakers at a memorial service held for the former SA Communist Party leader.

The service was attended by ANC national executive committee member and businessman Tokyo Sexwale, Congress of SA Trade Unions secretary- general Zwelinzima Vavi, SA Communist Party secretary- general Blade Nzimande, and the Hani family.

In his address Sexwale slammed President Thabo Mbeki for his leadership style and stance on HIV yesterday. Sexwale said the decisions taken at Polokwane were to ensure the ANC went back to being the sensitive party it was in the time of Hani. Sexwale also spoke out on Mbeki’s controversial views on HIV/Aids. He said the blame for the failing HIV programmes should be laid solely at the President’s door. “I say no to collective responsibility. People must be held responsible for their mistakes and failures”, said Sexwale.

He said this should also apply to the electricity crisis. Speakers at the service said Hani was a sensitive and responsive leader who knew people and believed in consultation. Comrade Chris would have been appalled by the culture of corruption and self-enrichment, said Vavi.

He said Hani would have been disgusted by public representatives looting the people’s assets by fraudulently awarding tenders to members of their families. Nzimande said the SACP still maintained that an inquest into Hani’s death should be conducted, so the Hani family could obtain closure.