Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) will host a marathon of events this month to commemorate the life and times of its struggle stalwart and icon namesake.
During a media briefing, CHDM Executive Mayor, Wongama Gela, said the celebrations fitted into the theme of April as a freedom month.
“In remembering Chris Hani, his values and what he stood for, the district municipality has developed a programme for the month of April in honour of this giant while showcasing service delivery initiatives in our local municipalities from across the district,” he said.
This year will mark the 14th anniversary of these celebrations.
The month long programme includes memorial lectures, launches and handing over of multimillion rands’ worth of completed projects.
This year’s commemoration will come in a different style as it will include horse racing and a fashion show on April 27. Other activities will be the handover of computers to five schools in Hani’s birthplace of Sabalele.
The Dr AB Xuma memorial lecture will be held in Engcobo on April 18 and the unveiling of Xuma and Walter Sisulu statues will follow on April 19 in Engcobo. On April 21, the district authority will host the Chris Hani Wool Growers Indaba and a hand-over of rams to local farmers. The municipality expects around 1 000 farmers from across the district to attend.
“We must draw courage and inspiration from the lives of these giants and stalwarts in addressing all the challenges confronting us. The legacy of Chris Hani must be a shining example for all of us in serving the people in all we do,” Gela said.
