“THIS is not a new thing. Except now, with the new mayor, it has escalated to higher heights, where I don’t exist.
I don’t know whether that mayor of Ekurhuleni is my husband’s brother.
If he was related to my husband, my husband would have introduced me to him. He’s not my husband’s relative. He’s not my relative,” says the Gatvol Chris Hani’s widow Limpho Hani.
On April 8, was meant to be a wreath-laying for the late SACP leader Chris Thembisile Hani, who was assassinated 33 years ago by the Apartheid Government, then.
What was supposed to be a cordial event turned nasty and some uttered ‘Chris will turn in his grave’ all because the Ekurhuleni Municipality got involved without the consent of the Hani’s.
As a result, Limpho felt betrayed, belittled and undermined by the Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and team.
She said she took exception to the allegation that she was influenced not to attend the said commemoration.
“I am a 78-year-old, I cannot be influenced by anybody. I am an independent old woman. I take decisions on behalf of the Hani family, and nobody will tell me otherwise,” she was quoted furiously.
According to Limpho, the first time they had a wreath laying was last year because the commemoration would be held in the Eastern Cape.
She said that it was organised together with the SACP, and less than a hundred people showed up, as intended.
But what they saw on Wednesday was a different sight.
“What happened today (Wednesday) was like a stokvel on my husband’s grave. It is not proper and I do not accept it.”
Limpho called on politician’s to respect families.
“I own that grave, I am his wife.”
She vowed to defend her husband’s legacy, citing that she would not allow people to do as they pleased.
“I will fight till I die. I will not allow people to do Mickey Mouse games on my husband’s grave and change the plans that I had as a family.”
“Once all boxes have been ticked and the family, in particular, is satisfied with the approach, will reconvene jointly with family, the SACP and the City,” said acting Ekurhuleni Mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi.
ANC Treasurer General Gwen Ramokgopa, who was at the event was also admonished by the spit-firing Limpho.
Ramokgopa had told media that the Hani family did not attend because they had a bereavement.
“I have had an opportunity to speak to uMama Limpho Hani. The family is grieving. They have a death in the family, and therefore cannot and could not have participated today.”
Limpho had none of it saying their family funeral was before Easter.
“I buried my sister’s son last week Wednesday before Easter. I was already in Joburg. I do not know who she has killed when she says there is a bereavement.”
SACP had not responded for a comment at the time of publishing.
