Tributes stream in

for Govan Mbeki

Reports by
Adrienne Carlisle

GRAHAMSTOWN -- Govan Mbeki, a veteran of the ANC's liberation struggle and father of President Thabo Mbeki, was yesterday hailed as a warrior, a revolutionary, an educator and a leader by friends, well-wishers and politicians from across the political spectrum.

The ANC said that "Oom Gov" was one of the greatest South African intellectuals of his time.

"His insights, his commitment to his people and his dedication to the liberation of all Africans will be sorely missed at a moment in South Africa's history when such qualities are much needed," ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama said.

Provincial ANC secretary Humphrey Maxegwana said he had been "a sober revolutionary and a humble leader. His ideological clarity and political sharpness provided at all times sound alternatives rooted on our strategic vision of South Africa and a just world order."

Mbeki's alma mater, the University of Fort Hare, to which he earlier this month donated his entire personal library, said he combined an uncompromising commitment to the liberation struggle, with a real passion for intellectual critique.

"He has left us a legacy, a role model that we hope the new generation will emulate," said UFH vice-chancellor Derrick Swartz. "He also left us an archive of memories to build the future on. And, of course, he left us his son, our State President."

Mbeki was chancellor of Fort Hare from 1994 to 1999.

The Democratic Alliance described him as "a great son of South Africa who struggled and suffered for the freedom of this country. DA leader Tony Leon said he was "a stalwart of the African National Congress and South African Communist Party and we salute his unyielding contribution to the struggle for justice in South Africa".

The Pan Africanist Congress said Mbeki was a gallant fighter against apartheid.

"He was a daring intellectual, committed cadre, prolific writer and veteran activist whose history in the annals of resistance is impeccable," said PAC secretary-general Thami Ka Plaatjie.

The UDM's Mabandla Gogo said Mbeki's leadership and contribution would pave the way to acceptable transformation in the country and his death was a loss to the entire African continent.

The deputy president of the ACDP, Louis Green, said that the life of Govan Mbeki was to be celebrated as one that displayed great selflessness, integrity and absolute commitment to the plight of the millions of oppressed South Africans during apartheid.

All parties expressed condolences to President Mbeki and the family.