MEMORIAL LECTURE: General Amos Lungephi Lengesi
Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA
FORMER Robben Island prisoner general Amos Lungephi Lengesi has described the late SACP leader Chris Hani as a brave man who was both disciplined and principled.
Lengesi had spent 20 years as a prisoner in Robben Island from 1969 till 1989 and spent time with Hani in exile in Tanzania and Zambia. He was addressing Chris Hani District Municipality workers in commemoration of Hani’s month recently.
The event which took place at Sikweyiya Hall in Mlungisi last Wednesday was poorly attended by CHDM staff with employees blamed to a lack of communication.
Lengesi said, “Hani carried himself well, he firmly kept the principles of the ANC. He was a diligent worker who never got tired, even though he was strict, he was able to forgive. Hani was an ordinary human being who knew how to laugh, how to have great conversations and to joke around.”
Hani was a fearless man who confronted his enemies with a smile. “Many attempts were made to kill Hani. While he was in exile he was trusted and sent in and out of South Africa across the borders of Lesetho and to Zimbabwe.”
What Lengesi admired the most about Hani was that his kindness. “He would never let a person face a problem alone without reaching out.”
Port folio head of integrated planning and economic development councilor Sibongile Mbotshane said the working class was suppose to bring solutions to the problems of the nation.
