Sihle Zikalala
At the dawn of the year 2025, dark clouds buried the warm African sun leaving us with a gaping wound in our hearts.
With no care or notice, the universe reminded us of the inevitability of death and that the eventuality of all human life is death.
We have once again been reminded of our mortality when one of our own, the bone of our bones, a man of the people, Comrade Yusuf Bhamjee, was called to higher service.
His demise reminds us that what matters is not the lengthy years we have lived but the impact we make in improving the human condition and development of humanity.
We who were inspired by his sacrifices, astute leadership, and remarkable journey doff our hats in solemn remembrance of Cde Yusuf Bhamjee for his immense contribution in the advancement of the struggle for freedom, social justice and economic emancipation.
His departure on Friday, 3 January 2025, reminds us of the evolution and painful past suffered by many for us to be liberated.
Cde Yusuf and his generation transposed the racial divide that had entrenched itself in the social fiber of the South African society to propel the construction of an integrated, cohesive society where all human life enjoys equal worth.
They rejected the introduction of the tricameral parliament by PW Botha’s regime in 1984 which was designed as a strategy to entrench racial divisions and to co-opt Indian and Coloured communities to give legitimacy to the diabolical system of apartheid while isolating Africans in the governance of the country.
Like Bill Nair, Inna Cronje, Dullar Omar, Kader Asmal and many others, they affirmed themselves as genuine revolutionaries who were only committed to confront injustice, poverty and racism.
They chose to pursue modest living, appreciating that the colour of one’s skin doesn’t determine a person’s capability or ability in life. Among its strategic objectives, the ANC seeks to create a truly non-racial society hence the National Question has always been a central question in the strategy and tactics of prosecuting the National Democratic Revolution to give birth to a South Africa that is truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous.
Cde Yusuf Bhamjee and his generation did not only theorise on how to create this society but gave practical meaning by living it, embracing all people as their equals.
In memory of the Bhamjees and many countless victims of Gender-Based Violence, we must all play our part in eliminating this scourge, beginning by teaching our children, boys and girls, to grow up as equals and respecting the sanctity of human life.
Given his friendly, humorous, and delightful character, others called Cde Yusuf, “Sibari” whilst others fondly referred to him as Joe. This was only because he was always unassuming and never bore grudges because of difficulty, trials and tribulations.
Surely if there is a reunion after death, he will be joining the late Cde Bheki Ntuli, Mphemba, the former KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison. Both were in the habit of cracking jokes whilst the Provincial Executive Committee was seized with deeply distressing matters making the organization to navigate complex matters with ease.
Because of Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Archie Gumede, Albertina Sisulu, Hellen Joseph Harry Gwala, Bill Nair, Merwa Ramgobin, Phyliss Naidoo and others we had a Yusuf Bhamjee who made us to live the real non- racialism of our struggle. Because of Mosses Mabhida, Albie Sachs, Joe Slovo, Ruth First, Rahima Moosa, Ray Alexander, Curnick Ndlovu, Joe Gomomo and others, we today know that the workers are not merely about conditions at work places but equality and decent livelihood that must be afforded to all.
They helped produced a Yusuf Bhamjee who inspired us to hate greed and any form of exploitation of one by another.
Unfortunately, Cde Yusuf left when his movement is afflicted with many challenges.
But he leaves us with the lesson that when we gather for political education in Durban, it is possible that other activists and revolutionaries are gathering for the same course in Polokwane, Mangaung, Gqeberha, Soweto, Kanyamazane, and Cape Town so we must not despair. All these separated cells will once again unite for nation-wide struggle to rebuild the movement and make OR Tambo smile in his grave.
Ours is to perfect our conduct, education, dedication and maximise efforts for social and economic emancipation for all. Fare thee well Sibari – Fare well Cde Yusuf Bhamjee.
| Zikalala is the former Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure