Duma Nokwe would be disappointed in today’s ANC: Dr Msimang

African National Congress (ANC) veteran Dr Mavuso Msimang says that Adv Duma Nokwe, an anti-apartheid activist and former Secretary-General of the party would not be happy with the current state of the organisation.

Msimang spoke to SABC NEWS this morning ahead of the reburial.

Nokwe will be re-buried alongside his wife, Vuyiswa, at the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg in a special provincial official funeral service addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Nokwe died in exile in 1978 in Lusaka, Zambia, but his remains were only repatriated to South Africa last year.

Msimang says Nokwe would be disappointed that the ANC had lost its majority in the 2024 national elections.

“He would obviously wish that things were much much better than what they are today. He would be disappointed that the ANC has lost so much popularity that it is not forming a majority government. And I think he would wish that the ANC would accept his position and act in the interest of the people of South Africa by making sure that the programs that people like Duma lived died for are still being carried forward. That is really what I think he would wish.”

VIDEO | ANC SG Duma Nokwe reburial – Mavuso Msimang remembers his comrade:

Nokwe‘s daughter, Nosizwe Nokwe-Macamo, has described her late father as a kind and friendly man.

Nokwe-Macamo paid tribute to his father, saying that he taught them everything about the struggle against apartheid.

“Our father was a kind, generous, jolly and friendly person. He loved to have people over at home and he would have heated debates and discussions. I think he got energised from having people around him. Although he travelled a lot, as I said, whenever he came home, those were quality moments, and he wanted to know everything that was going on in our lives.”

Reburial of late ANC SG Dumalisile Nokwe’s remains:

Nokwe family representative Vikela Rankin has urged South Africans to recommit themselves to carrying out the country’s vision and leadership in memory of him.

Rankin says that the Nokwe family has waited for his reburial for decades.

Rankin says, “This reburial, we have waited for a long time. It is not only a chance to mourn our father’s memory, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment, of our collective dedication to the values he championed, which encourage integrity and service.”