Today marks 30 years since Chris Hani was murdered, his widow says she still need answers. Limpho Hani has slammed the Constitutional Court over the release of convicted murderer Janusz Walus last year on parole. Chris Hani was assassinated on 10 April 1993 in front of his 15-year-old daughter Nomakhwezi, who has since died. The Polish born Walus spent 28 years in jail before he was released on parole in December last year.
NO CLOSURE
Speaking during the 30th anniversary of her late husband's death held in Boksburg in Gauteng today, Limpho said she has not found closure. "Chris was shot 30 years ago and I don't have closure. That is why I am wearing black today. I am still mourning. Those who released my husband's killers are today awarded honorary degrees, because they have once again tormented and double murdered Chris." she said. Limpho also said she had not been treated fairly by those in power. "The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a waste of taxpayers' money, and failed to get to the bottom of what really happened to my husband when he was shot and killed those years ago," she said. "Decisions were made and given to the government - they were never implemented to date. The same TRC, I was told by one of the investigating officers that they are following the second lead but now they have been told there's not enough budget. I have not been treated fairly." she said.
NOT CONSULTED ON WALUS'S RELEASE
Limpho said she was told that Walus was granted parole because she didn't respond to an apology letter sent by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on behalf of her husband's killer. "Apparently I was suppose to respond to the letter sent to me but I have never received the letter. Remember Walus is white and I am black woman with no husband, so I can be bullied,' she said. President Cyril Ramaphosa who was meant to give a speech at the commemoration did not make it. His speech was delivered by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa. "If Chris Hani was still alive, he was going to inspire us to bring changes. In 2017 we took responsibility to make his grave a heritage site. As we continue with solving problems, we must work together to achieve that goal," said Kodwa as he quoted Ramaphosa's speech. SACP National Chairperson Blade Nzimande was the MC of the day. In attendance was Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Nomvula Nonkonyane and SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, to name a few.
PRIORITISE THE POOR
Cosatu President Zingisa Losi pleaded with alliance partners to prioritise the lives of the poor. "The wounds are still deep and it is still painful. Comrade Chris once said socialism is about decent shelter, it is about decent education, a decent life for everyone. We must ask ourselves if we have achieved the goals that Comrade Chris wanted for all South Africans. South Africa remains the most imbalanced nation as people are becoming poorer every day," he said, adding that Hani would have cleansed the ANC and the alliance partners. "He would want us to make headlines on bettering the lives of the poor. Comrade Chris always reminded us that we must put the lives of the poor first. He led in the front, and he was a go-getter. South Africa was robbed of a good leader, The Hani family lost a father, a brother, a leader. We need to learn to honour the spirit of Chris Hani by doing what is right for the black South Africans," she said.
