DA commemorates the life of Chris Hani

Today South Africa marks the 20th anniversary of Chris Hani's death. We respectfully reflect on his memory and contribution today.

His death marked a particularly turbulent moment in our history - a moment where South Africans had to decide between reconciliation and confrontation. In the end, we came together in the spirit of reconciliation and progress, even as the extremists in our society attempted to tear us apart.

Chris Hani was an inspirational figure. Whatever his ideological leanings might have been, we can all acknowledge that he was a principled and determined leader. He lived and died for his principles and made an enormous contribution in the struggle against apartheid; for this, he deserves to be honoured.

We pay homage to him today, and acknowledge the sacrifice his family had to bear to make South Africa a better place for all of us. We can only hope that the full truth about his assassination will eventually be revealed in the interest of reconciliation.

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane, DA National Spokesperson, April 10 2013

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