ANC Statements

The African National Congress (ANC) and the nation today mourns the passing of an outstanding freedom fighter, revolutionary and a veteran of Umkhonto weSizwe, Comrade Mbulelo Musi.

Comrade Mbulelo was part of a generation that was prepared to lay down its life for freedom. He joined the ANC at a time when it was not fashionable to do so. Being a member of the ANC at the time was an invitation for state harassment, police brutality, torture and even death.

History will record that Cde Mbulelo was one of the survivors of the Matola raid, which demonstrated beyond doubt the naked brutality and callousness of the apartheid killing machine. On 30 January 1981 the South African Defence Force raided the African National Congress safe houses in Matola, a suburb in the outskirts of Maputo. During the raid 12 MK members and one Mozambican citizen were killed instantly.

As an MK soldier, he distinguished himself as a disciplined and fearless freedom fighter with immeasurable political and ideological clarity.

Comrade Mbulelo contributed enormously to the downfall of apartheid and to the creation of a new democratic South Africa. He had a distinguished career in the public service. Among other responsibilities, he served as Spokesperson for the late Minister of Social Development, Comrade Zola Skweyiya. He was also part of the team that established the new Department of Military Veterans.

At the time of his passing, Comrade Musi was the Spokesperson for the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), a formation that was a product of the unity process representing all MK combatants.

The ANC urges all cadres of our movement, especially young people, to emulate the revolutionary example of personal sacrifice, loyalty and political discipline that was demonstrated by Cde Mbulelo and his generation.

The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades and all members of the Mass Democratic Movement. We wish them strength and fortitude during this difficult time. May they find solace in the knowledge that their loss is the nation’s loss. We are grateful to the Musi family for having allowed him to share his life with the people of South Africa and our movement.

May the revolutionary spirit of Comrade Mbulelo Musi rest in eternal peace!

END

ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

Enquiries

Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri

ANC NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON

0768915420

Media Relations

Amos Phago

076 750 6961