Statecraft & Independence
Distinguished
Chris Hani
1942 – 1993
Chief of staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, assassinated on the eve of democracy
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the South Africa Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
He commanded the ANC's armed wing and was, to many, the natural successor to Mandela. His assassination in 1993 nearly derailed the transition.
Chris Hani led Umkhonto we Sizwe and the South African Communist Party, and was among the most popular figures of the liberation movement.
He was assassinated in April 1993, months before the first democratic election.
He was assassinated in April 1993, months before the first democratic election.
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