Media Statements

The African National Congress (ANC) mourns the passing of Comrade Professor Renfrew Christie, a former operative of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a solidly uncompromising opponent of apartheid, and a revolutionary intellectual who placed his knowledge, courage and life in the service of the people of South Africa.

Professor Christie belongs to that rare generation of cadres who understood that the struggle against apartheid was not only waged in the streets and on the battlefield, but also in the strategic centres of power where the apartheid regime sought to entrench its domination.

His role in disrupting and exposing the apartheid state’s clandestine nuclear weapons programme was an act of profound revolutionary significance. By helping to undermine this dangerous project, Comrade Christie struck at the heart of a regime that sought to preserve white supremacy through weapons of mass destruction and terror.

For this courageous act of service to humanity, Comrade Christie paid a heavy personal price. He was detained, tortured and sentenced to a lengthy term of imprisonment under the draconian apartheid security laws. Yet, like many patriots before him, he emerged from prison unbroken in spirit and unwavering in his commitment to justice, equality and freedom.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, colleagues in the academic community, and all those who walked this difficult road of struggle with him. We salute his contribution to the liberation of our country and to the safety and dignity of future generations.

Hamba kahle, Soja loMkhonto, your contribution to the liberation of South Africa and the defence of humanity will never be forgotten.

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