The Chris Hani memorial site in Boksburg has been declared a National Heritage Site by President Jacob Zuma.

The Chris Hani Heritage Site was launched during the 22nd commemoration of his passing, which was held at Thomas Nkobi Memorial Park in Boksburg last week. He was assassinated in 1993, a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections in April 1994. President Zuma said Hani had dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom, equality, justice, human dignity and a better life for all the people of South Africa.

“In memory of Chris Hani, let us continue working hard to deepen and consolidate democracy in our country, and also deepen the extension of services to all, especially the poor and the working class,” said Zuma.

President Zuma said government was embarking on an on-going programme of building a new inclusive heritage for the country. This includes identifying historic sites, individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the liberation struggle and history, and to the development of cultural values of South Africans.  

“The identified sites are being upgraded and declared National Heritage Sites and are maintained by the State, just like the Chris Hani Heritage Site that we have officially launched,” said Zuma. He said through the upgrading and declaration of these historic sites, government would ensure a more representative and inclusive South African history and heritage.

“We have hospitals that are named after Steve Biko, Chris Hani, Charlotte Maxeke, Helen Joseph and many other sites that are named after other heroes and heroines of our struggle.

“We have also created new monuments and walls of remembrance such as the Steve Biko Heritage Centre in Ginsberg, Eastern Cape, and the Ncome Museum commemorating the Battle of Blood River fought between amaZulu and the Afrikaners. Freedom Park Museum phase 2 has also been opened in Pretoria,” Zuma said. 

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