Martin Thembisile "Chris Hani" (1942–1993), the charismatic and principled revolutionary leader widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the anti-apartheid struggle. Born in rural Eastern Cape, he joined the ANC Youth League young, became a dedicated MK (uMkhonto we Sizwe) commander, fought in exile,
rose to MK chief of staff, and served as General Secretary of the SACP from 1991. Known for his Marxist convictions, incorruptibility, and deep connection to workers and the poor, he was hugely
popular and seen as a potential radical voice for economic justice post-apartheid.
Assassinated on
10 April 1993 outside his Boksburg home by far-right gunman Janusz Waluś (with Clive Derby-
Lewis's involvement) in an attempt to derail negotiations and spark wider conflict. His killing nearly ignited civil war but ultimately accelerated the path to the 1994 elections. Today, he remains a powerful symbol of uncompromised commitment to liberation,
socialism, and the working class — mourned as the leader SA
lost too soon.
**Example sentence:**
"Chris Hani was the real deal — if he hadn't been taken out in '93, the push for land and economic
freedom might've looked very different today."
