THE Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha delivered the Chris Thembisile Hani memorial lecture at the Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre.
He urged councillors and government employees to emulate Hani's exemplary leadership.
The lecture, organised by the Chris Hani District Municipality on Wednesday, 1 May, celebrated the life of the struggle stalwart and Workers' Day.
"Hani was a giant, a liberation movement hero, and a selfless leader who always put the people first. In the offices you occupy, and the roles assigned to you, follow Hani's steps," Nqatha said.
He emphasised that no tribute could better honour Hani than serving the people with commitment, honesty, respect, integrity, sincerity, humility, accountability, nurturing, and innovation, as these values truly defined him.
"Celebrating Chris Hani is a reminder of massacres, people who went to prison, others tortured, and that our freedom was not free. Others made huge sacrifices for us to enjoy the freedom we have today," he said.
ALSO READ: Party leader - Cancel Workers' Day!
"We're celebrating a man who demonstrated his love and patriotism for his country. Hani made a supreme sacrifice so that we could be free. He laid down his life for the people of his country."
Nqatha described Hani as an accessible leader who was great yet ordinary.
"A man with high values, respectful and sensible. A man with a great memory who took keen interest in others and their well-being. He was deeply committed, honest, and loyal not just to the movement he served but the people of South Africa. When we remember and celebrate Hani, let us practice his values and remain true to what he believed in," he said.
Chris Hani District Municipality Executive Mayor Lusanda Sizani urged all attendees to build on the gains and inroads already made by the government since the dawn of democracy.
"Chris Hani's values should serve as our compass in addressing the needs of the people of our district. Let us emulate his values, to do better, to serve people better, and create a better life for all," he said.
For more news and entertainment in the palm of your hand, follow our WhatsApp Channel via this link
