ANC KZN chairperson Siboniso Duma delivering the eulogy during the official reburial of Balungile Shembe. | Supplied
Durban — In a significant homage to South Africa's freedom struggle, MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, leading as ANC chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal, presided over the reburial of Balungile Shembe in eMpangeni on Sunday.
Balungile Shembe, who passed away in Zimbabwe on 13 May 1990 after her battle with illness, was also the daughter of the revered Prophet Isaiah Shembe, the founder of the Nazareth Baptist Church.
Balungile, was a member of the now-disbanded armed wing of the ANC, uMkhonto weSizwe. In his eulogy, Duma hailed Balungile as a “fearless freedom fighter” whose sacrifices played a pivotal role in shaping the current political landscape.
“As we rebury her mortal remains on this historic day, we undertake to double our efforts to ensure that future generations inherit an intact organisation that will remain an instrument for their total liberation – politically, socially, and economically,” said Duma.
Duma further reflected on the use of political frameworks as vehicles for social change, emphasising Balungile's commitment to a South Africa characterised by equality and a better life for all.
“We remain grateful to Comrade Balungile Shembe for it is through her sacrifices that some of us are public representatives who represent the aspirations of the people,” said Duma.
“As the pathfinder of this political freedom she used her political party as a vehicle for the attainment of a prosperous South Africa where there is equality and a better life for fall,” added Duma.
On the internal factions plaguing the ANC, Duma said: “The ANC does not belong to the leaders. Most of all it is former or current former or current leaders.”
Among those present at Balungile’s reburial was the former premier of KZN Sbu Ndebele.
“As we wrap up 30 years of our Freedom and Democracy, this is a fitting tribute to a national hero who laid down her life for this freedom.
“It is a rare coincidence that yesterday (Saturday) we laid to rest the grandson of ANC President John Langalibalele Dube, (Zenzele Dube). Dube was the founding president of the ANC in 1912, then called the South African Natives Congress (SANC).
Zenzele was an Umkhonto Wesizwe combatant during the struggle against the repressive apartheid until it ended in 1994 when the country held its first democratic elections.
Zenzele’s funeral was attended by, among others, former premiers of KZN Zweli Mkhize, Sihle Zikalala, Nomusa Dube-Ncube and the erstwhile eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda, who is now a backbencher in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Duma noted the historical bonds between Dube and Prophet Shembe, remarking, “History tells us that Dr. Dube and iNkosi Shembe spent many hours together discussing the growth of the church. Dr. Dube helped iNkosi Shembe write most of the literature used in the church today.
The reburial was attended by members of the ANC and former members of the uMkhonto weSizwe clad in camouflage regalia and singing revolutionary songs.
The uMkhonto weSizwe was founded on December 16, 1961, and was disbanded in 1993, a year before the first democratic elections in 1994.
Former president Jacob Zuma revived the name after he formed his political party, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), last December after dumping the ANC – a party he once led as president for a decade between 2007 and 2017.
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