FORMER president Jacob Zuma visited the families of leaders who died during political violence in Ekurhuleni.
On Monday, 1 May, Zuma visited the families of Sam Ntuli in Thokoza and Fanyana Banda from Katlehong in Ekurhuleni.
Zuma started with Sam Ntuli's family at their home in Thokoza.
He then went with the members of MKVA and Ntuli's family to the grave of Sam Ntuli at Thokoza Schoeman cemetery.
Ntuli, a civic leader, was killed during a political conflict on 29 September 1991.
He was allegedly targeted because he organised strikes and go-slows.
Msholozi thanked the family for allowing them to visit them, and allowing them to go to the grave of Sam.
“Sam was a great leader who was always hands-on doing things.
“It is important to visit ancestors to seek help. I hope our fallen heroes can see what challenges we are facing.
“We are here to honour him and remember the role he played in the struggle,” Zuma said.
The late Sam’s son, Mduduzi Ntuli, said it's great that his father is being recognised.
“My wish is that such recognition can be done every year to teach people about the role of my father and those who were in the firing line at that time.
“We need to appreciate them. They knew the struggle much more at that time,” Mduduzi said.
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He said this must not be done to their family only but to the other fallen heroes.
“There are many people in Ekurhuleni who fought for changes, and we need to profile every single person who came from this area,” he added.
Fanyana Banda died when he went out to defend leaders in the 90s.
His mother, Sbongile Mofokeng, couldn’t contain her emotions when Zuma visited her.
“I’m happy that my son is finally recognised that he died for this freedom
“The visit by Zuma and the organisers has at least brought relief to us that our son did not die in vain,” she said.
