The Life and Death of Chris Hani: A Biography of a South African Revolutionary Leader (PDF)

PDF Being Chris Hani's 33: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of a South African Revolutionary

Chris Hani was one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. He was also a committed communist, a loyal soldier, a loving father, and a popular hero. His assassination on April 10, 1993, shocked the nation and threatened to derail the transition to democracy. But his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of South Africans who continue to draw inspiration from his courage, vision, and sacrifice.

PDF Being Chris Hanis 33

PDF Being Chris Hani's 33 is a project that aims to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Chris Hani by producing a series of digital publications that explore his biography, his writings, his speeches, his interviews, his images, his music, his poetry, and his impact. The project is led by a team of researchers, writers, editors, designers, artists, musicians, poets, activists, and educators who share a passion for Chris Hani's history and heritage. The project is also supported by various institutions, organizations, foundations, and individuals who have contributed their resources, expertise, archives, testimonies, and endorsements.

This article is part of the PDF Being Chris Hani's 33 series. It provides an overview of Chris Hani's life story from his birth in Cofimvaba in 1942 to his death in Boksburg in 1993. It also highlights some of his major achievements, challenges, contributions, and controversies as a revolutionary leader. It also reflects on his legacy and memory in contemporary South Africa. The article is structured into five main sections: The Roots of a Man; The Soldier of the People; The Voice of Liberation; The Martyr of Democracy; and Conclusion. Each section contains three subsections that focus on specific aspects or episodes of Chris Hani's life. The article also includes a list of five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Chris Hani at the end.

The Roots of a Man

Chris Hani was born Martin Thembisile Hani on June 28, 1942, in Sabalele village near Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape province. He was the fifth of six children of Gilbert Mzolisi Hani and Nomangesi Hani, who were both teachers and devout Christians. He grew up in a rural environment where he experienced the hardships and injustices of colonialism and apartheid. He also developed a love for nature, animals, sports, and literature.

Early life and education in Cofimvaba and Fort Hare

Chris Hani attended primary school in Cofimvaba, where he excelled academically and showed leadership qualities. He also joined the Anglican Church choir and became an altar boy. He was influenced by his father, who was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and taught him about African history and culture. He also witnessed the defiance campaigns of the 1950s and the brutal repression by the apartheid regime.

Chris Hani completed his secondary education at Lovedale College in Alice, where he was exposed to different political ideologies and movements. He joined the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and became active in student politics. He also developed an interest in Marxism-Leninism and read books by Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Mao Zedong, and Fidel Castro. He also admired African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba, and Nelson Mandela.

Chris Hani enrolled at the University of Fort Hare in 1961 to study English and Latin. He continued his political activism and joined the South African Communist Party (SACP) in 1962. He also participated in the underground structures of the ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC. He was involved in sabotage operations and propaganda distribution. He also attended secret meetings and training sessions with other comrades.

Political awakening and joining the ANC and SACP

Chris Hani was influenced by various factors and events that shaped his political awakening and radicalization. He was inspired by the liberation struggles in other parts of Africa and the world, such as Algeria, Cuba, Vietnam, and China. He was also outraged by the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, the banning of the ANC and other organizations in 1960, the Rivonia trial of 1963-1964, and the imprisonment of Mandela and other leaders on Robben Island. He was also disillusioned by the limitations of non-violent resistance and the collaboration of some black leaders with the apartheid regime.

Chris Hani decided to join the ANC and SACP because he believed that they were the most progressive and revolutionary forces in South Africa. He also believed that they represented the interests and aspirations of the majority of the oppressed people. He embraced their principles of national liberation, democracy, socialism, non-racialism, internationalism, and solidarity. He also accepted their strategy of armed struggle as a necessary complement to mass mobilization and political education.

Chris Hani became a loyal and dedicated member of both the ANC and SACP. He followed their policies, directives, and discipline. He also contributed to their debates, discussions, and decisions. He rose through their ranks and assumed various positions of responsibility and leadership. He also forged close relationships with other comrades such as Joe Slovo, Ruth First, Moses Mabhida, Oliver Tambo, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, Joe Modise, Ronnie Kasrils, Mac Maharaj, Sathyandranath Maharaj (Sathy), Charles Nqakula, Raymond Mhlaba, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Andrew Mlangeni, Elias Motsoaledi,and many others.

Flight into exile and military training in the USSR

Chris Hani was forced to flee South Africa in 1963 after he was tipped off by a friend that he was on the wanted list of the security police. He left behind his family, friends, studies, and home. He crossed the border into Lesotho with Sathy using fake passports. From there, he traveled to Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Morocco,and Algeria. He finally arrived in London in 1964 after traveling for more than a year.

Chris Hani stayed in London for a few months where he met other exiled comrades such as Oliver Tambo, Joe Slovo,Ruth First,Dennis Goldberg,and Yusuf Dadoo.He also met some British supporters such as Jack Jones,Bob Hughes,and Barbara Castle.He also attended some meetings,speeches,and rallies organized by the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM)and other solidarity groups.He also visited some historical sites,museums,and libraries.

Chris Hani left London in 1965 to undergo military training in the Soviet Union.He spent two years at a special camp near Odessa where he learned various skills such as guerrilla warfare,intelligence,sabotage,demolition,infiltration,and exfiltration.He 71b2f0854b