Hon Speaker, Ministers and Members of Parliament, the ANC is deeply saddened by the death of Comrade Henry Mutile Fazzie in hospital in the Eastern Cape due to illness at the age of 87. Comrade Fazzie was a disciplined and dedicated stalwart of the movement.
This veteran went through the ranks of the ANC, from being a volunteer to a unionist, commander of Umkhonto weSizwe, MK, and Member of Parliament. He proved that he possessed the attributes of a leader and gallant fighter during his military training in guerrilla warfare in Ethiopia.
His service included military service in Umkhonto weSizwe, a term as vice president of the South African National Civic Organisation, Sanco, Service as a Member of Parliament and in other areas where the ANC saw fit to deploy him.
In addition to his role as a soldier of the movement, he was tasked to facilitate the training and infiltration of guerrillas into the country to carry out acts of sabotage. In the early 1960s he was captured by the South African security forces in the then southern Rhodesia, today known as Zimbabwe, and was transported to South Africa to stand trial.
Consequently, in 1965, Comrade Fazzie was sentenced to 20 years in prison under the Sabotage Act. He served 12 years of his prison term, which had been reduced on appeal, on Robben Island. Upon his release, Comrade Fazzie continued being active in the civic movement the Port Elizabeth Black Civic Organisation, Pebco, from 1983 to 1992, and later as the Sanco national chairperson from 1992 to 1994.
Comrade Fazzie was among the leaders who waged an offensive against the oppressive government through the campaign for the total boycott of white shops in business in Port Elizabeth. These gallant leaders called for the unconditional release of all political leaders and the end of oppression of black people.
When the government declared Port Elizabeth a hot spot, Comrade Fazzie was among the leaders targeted by the security forces, and some of whom were brutally killed, such as the Pebco three, Champion Galela, Qaqawuli Godolozi and Sipho Hashe. It was just fate that due to a last-minute change of plans Comrade Fazzie did not travel with those comrades who were killed by the security forces.
Comrade Fazzie was detained on two occasions in St Albans Prison, first for seven months and consequently for three years. Due to mounting pressure on government over the boycott campaigns, he was released and placed under house arrest. Even though he was banned, he continued to play a critical role in intensifying the struggle towards a nonracial, democratic South Africa.
These were leaders in the defiance of that system; a defiance that was displayed when the ANC and SACP flags were hoisted during rallies at the Dan Qeqe Stadium and at funerals of activists murdered by the apartheid police and army. This was lifted when the ANC won a court application. The court ordered that the banning order be lifted because it was illegal and contained no valid reason or evidence given for it having been issued.
During the advent of the democratic dispensation, Comrade Fazzie was among the first ANC members deployed to serve the interests of the black people of South Africa in the national Parliament. This was a critical moment for Parliament as the legislating arm of the state. Parliament had to legislate in order to give effect to the new democratic dispensation. This meant that all the unjust laws needed to be repealed and amended and new legislation was also to be passed. This was indeed a challenge, and new members had to adjust quickly to the environment. He served his term as a Member of Parliament with distinction. Indeed, this is a great loss to the ANC, family and friends.
Comrade Fazzie leaves behind his wife, Hilda, two children and grandchildren. The ANC extends its heartfelt condolences to the family. May they be consoled by the knowledge that their father, grandfather and husband contributed immensely to the freedom they now have the opportunity to enjoy. May his soul rest in peace.
Akuhlanga lungehlanga, tutwini. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [Please accept what has happened as fate, be consoled. [Applause.]]
Debate concluded.