Thousands pay homage to fallen comrade

Thousands pay homage to fallen comrade
Thousands pay homage to fallen comrade
The Bhisho Community Church was today packed to capacity by more than 3000 people, including high-ranking ANC leaders, who came to attend the memorial service of the party's first Eastern Cape provincial chairman in the democratic dispensation, Dumisani Mafu who died 10 days ago.

Most of those in attendance were clad in ANC colours and continuously sang liberation songs throughout the service held to honour the former ANC military wing, Umkhonto weSizwe, commander who suddenly collapsed and died in Port Alfred on July 9.

Among those who joined the grieving Mafu family and attended yesterday's service, were high-ranking ANC leaders from across the country. They included ANC's national chairwoman and National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbethe, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and his ambassador husband Charles, provincial ANC secretary Oscar Mabuyane, Finance MEC Sakhumzi Somyo, Bhisho legislature speaker Noxolo Kiviet, University of Fort Hare's vice chancellor  Mvuyo Tom and Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leader's chairman Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima and his deputy  Zolile Burns-Ncamashe.

Also in attendance were Buffalo City Metro mayor Alfred Mtsi, his deputy Xola Pakati, the provincial Public Service Commission head Singatha Mafanya, various military veterans from across the country, religious leaders and various provincial administration heads, including economic development HoD and former ANC provincial secretary Bongani Gxilishe.

During the service, Mafu who was born in Willowvale in 1957, was described as a selfless, dedicated and revolutionary patriotic who had the interest of South African people at heart.

Mafu, who leaves behind a wife and two sons, will be buried in Willowvale on Saturday.

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