The family of Bathandwa Ndondo, the ANC revolutionary killed by security police in 1985, is aggrieved that they have been sidelined by government on events commemorating him.
Ndondo, one of five children, was a student activist from Cala village killed by Eugene de Kock, nicknamed apartheid’s “Prime Evil”.
He was shot nine times and according to forensic reports, eight shots were while he was lying down.
His family, who earlier spoke of how Ndondo had died for nothing, said they felt undermined by government and the ANC for not involving them in any of the commemorations organised in Ndondo’s name.
His sister Busisiwe, a principal at Bathandwa Ndondo Senior Secondary School in the village, said: “The only time they inform us is a day before the event.
“People make snide comments like we are called there for a plate of food. It is degrading and we feel as if we are being undermined as the family.
“They use Bathandwa’s name for their own selfish aims. We know he was a revolutionary who fought selflessly but he was still part of a family.”
The visibly distraught Busisiwe said even the events organised to commemorate her brother were there for the benefit of certain people.
“Batandwa’s 30th death anniversary is coming up and we have heard on the streets that something is being planned for that day.
“We have not been told about such plans; no one has come to us to get our input we just hear people talking about it.”
Busisiwe said at one event, the family was almost turned away at the entrance as the security did not know who they were.
Ndondo’s mother Lulama Sidumo said while other families who lost loved ones during the struggle were taken care of, she had never felt the love and compassion of the ANC towards her.
Ndondo’s younger brother Viwe said all the family wanted was a lasting legacy for Ndondo.
“If they can set up a study fund in his name and help underprivileged kids in Cala – because there are many of them – I will be happy.
“That way we will be able to see and point out that these were assisted in our brother’s name.”
ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane said the event was being organised by the ANC constituency office in Cala.
He said the organisers had planned to approach Ndondo’s family but that the planning was still at an early stage.
Fallen cadre’s kin cries foul
Ndondo, one of five children, was a student activist from Cala village killed by Eugene de Kock, nicknamed apartheid’s “Prime Evil”.
He was shot nine times and according to forensic reports, eight shots were while he was lying down.
His family, who earlier spoke of how Ndondo had died for nothing, said they felt undermined by government and the ANC for not involving them in any of the commemorations organised in Ndondo’s name.
His sister Busisiwe, a principal at Bathandwa Ndondo Senior Secondary School in the village, said: “The only time they inform us is a day before the event.
“People make snide comments like we are called there for a plate of food. It is degrading and we feel as if we are being undermined as the family.
“They use Bathandwa’s name for their own selfish aims. We know he was a revolutionary who fought selflessly but he was still part of a family.”
The visibly distraught Busisiwe said even the events organised to commemorate her brother were there for the benefit of certain people.
“Batandwa’s 30th death anniversary is coming up and we have heard on the streets that something is being planned for that day.
“We have not been told about such plans; no one has come to us to get our input we just hear people talking about it.”
Busisiwe said at one event, the family was almost turned away at the entrance as the security did not know who they were.
Ndondo’s mother Lulama Sidumo said while other families who lost loved ones during the struggle were taken care of, she had never felt the love and compassion of the ANC towards her.
Ndondo’s younger brother Viwe said all the family wanted was a lasting legacy for Ndondo.
“If they can set up a study fund in his name and help underprivileged kids in Cala – because there are many of them – I will be happy.
“That way we will be able to see and point out that these were assisted in our brother’s name.”
ANC provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane said the event was being organised by the ANC constituency office in Cala.
He said the organisers had planned to approach Ndondo’s family but that the planning was still at an early stage.
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