Hani's Widow Slams Municipality Over 'Disrespectful' Ceremony

Limpho Hani expressed her discontentment over the Ekurhuleni municipality's handling of Chris Hani's wreath-laying ceremony, calling it "a stokvel at my husband's grave". She was frustrated with the poor coordination and large gathering, which she felt was disrespectful to her husband's memory.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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Limpho Hani, widow of anti-apartheid icon Chris Hani, has criticized the Ekurhuleni municipality for "overstepping" during a wreath-laying ceremony at her husband's grave.

The event, marking 33 years since Chris Hani's assassination, was adjourned after the family withdrew, citing poor coordination and disrespect.

"It was like a stokvel at my husband's grave. It's not proper. I do not accept it," Limpho Hani told eNCA.

She accused the municipality of turning the ceremony into a grand public event, rather than a simple tribute.

The SACP supported Limpho Hani's decision, saying the event's scale was unexpected. "The initial agreement was for a simple wreath-laying ceremony, not a grand public event," said Mbulelo Mandlana, SACP spokesperson.

Limpho Hani also defended SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, saying she wasn't influenced by him. "I'm 78 years old. I cannot be influenced by anybody. I am an independent old woman," she said.

The ceremony was meant to take place at the Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, but was postponed after the Hani family withdrew.

Acting Ekurhuleni mayor Jongizizwe Dlabathi apologized for the disruption and promised better coordination.