ANC Veterans League Limpopo

09/03/2022

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY ANC VETERANS LEAGUE
Enquiries

ANCVL Provincial Administrator Melody Mampuru
0649365252

09 March 2022

ANCVL Medial Statement on the passing of Struggle Veteran and member of the ANCVL Provincial Executive Committee Cde Richard Mothelo “Pharephare” Mothupi.

The ANCVL learnt with deep sadness and shock about the untimely passing of the member of the ANCVL Provincial Executive Committee and Struggle Veteran Cde Richard Mothelo “Pharephare” Mothupi.

It is with heavy hearts and fallen faces that we inform the people of Limpopo and the nation that one of our struggle heroes, a selfless fighter for the liberation of our people from the shackles of apartheid oppression Cde Richard Mothelo “Pharaphare” Mothupi is no more.

Cde Poo Pharephare as he was fondly known is finally at peaceful rest after a long illness.
He took his last breath in the early evening hours on Tuesday the 08 March 2022, at Tzaneen Medi-Clinic having spent the afternoon with the leadership of the ANCVL who had paid him a visit earlier on, on the same Tuesday afternoon.

Cde Richard Mothelo “Pharephare” Mothupi was born on the 10th April in 1937 at Seoketsi Ga Mashamba Village in Vhembe Region in Limpopo. He was the fifth child amongst six siblings. He came from humble beginnings, yet born with a fighting spirit for justice and freedom.

The passing of Cde Pharephare as he was fondly known, is gradually closing the curtain an era of a generation of selfless struggle cadres who were tested in the furnace of the revolution.

Cde Pharephare hails from a generation of fearless, dedicated and disciplined revolutionaries such as Cde Ike Maphoto, Cde Peter Nchabeleng, Cde John Nkadimeng, Cde Ramphelane Mampuru, Cde John Mahwidi Phala, Cde Madumane Dumi Mathabane and many others.

Growing up in oppressed and impoverished villages at the height of apartheid oppression, Cde Pharephare did not hesitate to take up arms in the fight for the dignity and liberation of the African people.

He and his Cdes never looked backed when faced with the might of the apartheid regime, believing that the just cause of our struggle under the leadership of the ANC, would triumph over the illegal and illegitimate colonial apartheid government.

Cde Pharephare’s political activism spans over several decades during the many phases of our struggles. Having subjected to and understanding the oppression of his people, Cde Mothupi Pharephare familiarised himself with the policies of the ANC and decided to join the ANC in the early 1950s.

In 1960, when the ANC and PAC were banned, the ANC sent him to into exile where he underwent military training. He returned in the early 1980s and became instrumental in the formation of many civic associations in and around Pretoria townships working along with Atteridgeville and Saulsville residents associations. Cde Mothupi Pharephare also worked underground as far as KwaZulu-Natal.

Being an underground operatives who operated in many parts of the country, Cde Mothupi Pharephare was multilingual, a trait he used pass undetected at roadblocks to accomplish many missions and save many of our underground operatives and MK soldiers. Furthermore, the enemy knew very little about his educational background, something he used to his advantage .
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Cde Mothupi Pharephare was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Transvaal Action Committee that resisted the Bantustan system.

Among many others, he was actively involved in the establishment of the United Democratic Front, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the Congress of Traditional Leaders in South Africa and the South African Worker’s Union (SAWU). He organized Trade Unions around Pretoria ISCOR, University of Pretoria and UNISA under the umbrella of SAWU.

After the formation of the United Democtatic Front (UDF) in the 1980s, he came home to Limpopo to assist in the Establishment of the Northern Transvaal Region of the United Democtatic Front (UDF) which was Led by the Late Cde Peter Nchabeleng.

Cde Mothupi Pharephare was a fearless champion in promoting the Manifesto of Mnkhondo we Sizwe. He would recite it in different languages according to the situation. Whenever he addressed the masses, people were resolved to join the struggle.

In Sekhukhune, the Steelpoort Youth Congress (Steyco) became a well organized and well oiled machine because of the presence of Cde Peter Nchabeleng and Cde Mothupi Pharephare.

Regardless of their ages, the two elderly Cdes were allowed to join the youth congress when it was unfashionable and dangerous to join the youth congress especially at their age. The youth saw an opportunity, especially the youth leadership and accepted these forebears of the struggle. Due to their mentoring, Steyco became organized and played an important role in mobilising the youth in the Sekhukhune area.

During the 80s when the anger of the youth was directed at those who were accused of witchcraft, attending a funeral of two youths who had been killed by the police at Ga-Mphahlele, Cde Mothupi Pharephare grabbed the opportunity to address the masses. He started by reciting the MK Manifesto in Sepedi and the crowd went wild with excitement. He then instructed the crowd to stop the merciless killings of those who were accused. Accordingly, the killings came to an end. It was later found that there was a list making the rounds that contained 32 names of those who were supposed to have been killed.

Cde Mothupi Pharaphare was later arrested and taken to Louistrichard Police Station, where he was tortured and interrogated about the leadership of the UDF. When asked about the ANC, he told his interrogators that the ANC had died a long time ago and its leader was a certain Madzunya, who happened to be a PAC leader. Frustrated by his responses, the Security Police assaulted him severely. Having gotten nothing out of him he was finally released

Cde Mothupi Pharephare was among the first volunteers in establishing ANC structures in Limpopo after the unbanning of political parties in 1990. He diligently served as the ANC Lowveld and North East Regional Organiser from 1990 - 1994. In 2004, he was elected to the Provincial Legislature. He later served as a Councillor in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.

Even after his retirement, Cde Mothupi Pharephare’s home was always inundated with delegation upon delegation of community members. He was very active in resolving community issues.

Visiting the Talane hostel in Tzaneen with the ANCVL, at the height of the Covid pandemic, whilst he could not see the plight of the people at the hostel, Cde Pharephare she’d tears at their stories and committed to ensure that those who were responsible for the abuse of the state resources are punished to the full extent of the law. He was very outspoken about the VBS saga, corruption and malfeasance.

Cde Mothupi Pharephare remained a committed member of the ANC, serving as a member of the ANCVL Provincial Executive Committee and Working Committee.

He will be remembered for his love for the people of South Africa and the organisation that has fought for their liberation, the ANC. Cde Mothupi Pharephare was a fighter for the renewal and unity of the ANC, a cadre who detested corruption, factionalism and patronage in all their manifestations.

We pay tribute and salute this fearless and committed cadre of our organisation, a hero of our country as we lower our revolutionary banners.

We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the Mothupi family, especially his children whom he loved dearly. We thank them for being unselfish in sharing this giant of a man with us.

Memorial and funeral service details will be communicated in due course

Long Live the Spirit of Cde Richard Mothelo Mothupi. Robala Ka Kgotso Munyai Mukhalanga. Poo Pharephare.
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Manda, Matimba, Matla

SPOKESPERSON
CDE Thabiso Mampuru @ 071 616 2625

ANCVL PROVINCIAL SECRETARY CDE RASHAKA RATSH*TSNGA
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22/10/2021

Our Veterans, our heroes. The ANC LIVES, THE ANC LEADS. ✊🏾

05/08/2021

EULOGY OF THE LATE THALITHA MOKGADI MONICCA LEBEA-MAMPURU BY HON. SEAPARO SEKWATI - MEC OF PROVINCIAL TREASURY, ON BEHALF OF THE PREMIER, HON. CHUPU MATHABATHA. 05 AUGUST 2021

Programme Director – MEC Polly Boshielo;
The Lebea and Mampuru Families;
Members of our Provincial Legislature & MEC’s Present;
Traditional Leaders & Representatives of Traditional Authorities Present;
Veterans and Leadership of the ANC Presents;
Fellow Mourners

Please receive sincere message of condolences from the Premier, Honourable Chupu Mathabatha, on behalf of the government and people of Limpopo. The passing of Mme Lebea-Mampuru could not have been untimely at this trying epoch of the revolution of our glorious movement and our young democracy.

Programme Director today we pay our last respects to comrade to a brave, principled, humble, loyal, and disciplined gallant of the liberation movement. The family of Mme Lebea-Mampuru have not lost alone, we all are poorer as the people of Limpopo and South Africa from this loss.

Today we are therefore called to pick up the spear that has fallen, as well as celebrating the life of a comrade, an organiser, a mobiliser of ground forces, a mother, and a loving leader of our masses.
The long life of Mme Lebea-Mampuru truly remain an exemplary one lived with humility, honour, and great sense of love for the people and the movement she served. And sending her off on this Special Provincial Official Funeral could not have been a befitting tribute this giant of our liberation.

Mme Monicca Lebea-Mmapuru was one of the last of her crop of fearless leaders who dared death and today she joins a galaxy of outstanding other leaders of that generation.

She takes her rightful place amongst other giants of our liberation struggle. Gallants such as Kgoshigadi Mmadinoge, Charllote Maxeke, Lilian Ngoyi, Lawrence Phokanoka, Elias Motswaledi, Mark Shope, Flag Boshielo, Nelson Diale, Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, and many others whose undying spirits continue to guide our course for total liberation.

She has gone home to rest;
She taught us principle – she taught us sacrifice – she taught us humility and fidelity to the cause of the nation.
Her lessons will live with us beyond our mortality;
She is gone but she will never be forgotten by our people.

Indeed, those of us who had the privilege of her political guidance and tutelage, will forever cherish the opportunity to have learned from her and served by the side of this all-rounder. For many of us, Mme Lebea-Mmapuru was bottomless reservoir of knowledge from which we’ve drawn counsel and wisdom.

Programme Director, Ladies & Gentlemen, it was not by accident that Mme Lebea-Mampuru was introduced to political activism by her own life experiences when she worked as a domestic worker.

The disrespect and disdain with which African people were treated, triggered her consciousness about the prevailing injustices of the time. Her inability to accept injustice made her make a life-long commitment to fight against apartheid.

It was not by coincidence that she found her love and marriage to a fellow anti-apartheid activist, the late Comrade Kgoshi Ramphelane John Mampuru. And theirs became a bond sealed by the revolutionary fire and a companionship made in the struggle for liberation.

Comrade Kgoshi Ramphelane Mampuru was himself one of the MK soldiers who fought in the Wanki-Spolilo battle. At a time of his passing in 1987, he was serving as a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC.
On account of her distinguished commitment to our struggle, the ANC deployed Mme Monicca Lebea-Mmapuru to Kitwe Province of Zambia in 1967.

It was during this deployment when Mme Mampuru was tasked with the recruitment and organizing of South Africans who were living in Kitwe - a task she executed with distinctions, with absolute commitment, and with discipline. Hence it is not surprising that many veterans of the ANC owe their membership of the movement to her recruitment programmes.

She is credited with playing a leading role in popularising the anti-apartheid struggle.

Her unit was also accredited for establishing a cultural group that performed at fundraising and political events to popularize the ANC. And most of the songs that the group composed and performed were played on Radio Freedom, which was based in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia

Mme Lebea-Mampuru’s dedication and decipline saw her deployed to Mazimbu in Tanzania in 1979 as the First Matron of Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College, popularly known as SOMAFCO, a school that catered for the ANC community, from day-care centre, to primary school and high school for ANC members who had fled the country due to the oppressive apartheid system. She turned Mazimbu into a home away from home for ANC cadres.

In 1984, Mme Mampuru was redeployed to Lusaka, to be part of the logistics department under the Office of the ANC Treasurer General: Ntate Thomas Nkobi.

Her commitment to the struggle for liberation was not only noticed within the ranks of the African National Congress, the enemy also did, and she soon became a target for elimination. Hence in 1986 she survived a bomb attack. The apartheid regime wanted her gone because her commitment to the struggle of the liberation of the South African people was a serious headache for the regime.

This too did not intimidate her, instead she became more resolute and dedicated to the course of struggle.
Programme Director, as we lay the mortal remains of Mme Mampuru, lest we forget that the democracy and freedom that we celebrate today did not come free.
It was paved by the blood, sweat and toil of many of the combatants of our glorious movement, cadres such as the late Mme Monicca Lebea-Mampuru.
It is against this background that today as we take the last salute to Mme Monicca Lebea-Mampuru as an outstanding freedom fighter, a patriot and a life-long commissar, we need to posture and resolve to emulate her live.
At a time when South Africa needs men and women of steal to catalyse our pace for socio-economic transformation;
At a time when we need to rebuild our economy from the wreckages of COVID-19;
At a time when our country dealing with the damaging effects of corruption, maleficence and rampant disregard of the law;
At a time when our movement is attempting to renew and rebuild itself;
We need to emulate the life of Mme Lebea-Mampuru.
We need to wear her cloak
Let us all today make a solemn commitment that the African National Congress will never die in our hands, and South Africa will not parish on our watch.
Let us ensure that the aspirations of Mme Mampuru for the better life of all South Africans are not said to be realised, but are seen and lived by all.

The challenges that South Africa face, and those that are detouring the success of our revolution today, requires men and women of Mme Mampuru’s qualities.
They demand from us nothing less than honesty, integrity, commitment and absolute love for the people in whose names we are called to serve.

Programme Director, Ladies & Gentlemen, indeed the spear has fallen, all we could ruminate of is how history with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days.

As we pick up the spear and continue with Mme Mampuru’s aspirations, we dare not forget that the only guide to a man is his conscience; the only shield to his memory is the integrity and sincerity of his actions.

It is very imprudent to walk through life without this shield, because we are so often mocked by the failure of our hopes and the upsetting of our calculations, but with this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honour.

Mme Lebea-Maburu’s life will forever remain a becon and a compass which we will to continue with our struggle for the total liberation of our people, and a better and just society.

In her name and honour, we dare never fail in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic; in fight against the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and joblessness. And we shall not fail in our battle against corruption

Mme Monicca Lebea-Mampuru, as we bid our last farewell to you today, we do sincerely acknowledge that indeed the pain of a hard good-bye is the heart’s tribute to the privilege to love.

May the undying spirit of Mme Lebea-Mampuru continue to guide our quest for a total liberation of our society

May her soul rest in eternal peace…

Amandla !!!

Ke leboga…

03/08/2021

Funeral service of ANC veteran Thalitha Mokgadi Monicca Lebea-Mampuru
Thursday 5 August 2021
Time: 07h00
Phodisha Ditsha Luthern Church
Zone 3, Seshego
A combatant for life, a patriot to the end

31/07/2021

The ANC has learnt with sadness about the passing of ANC veteran Cde Thalitha Monica Lebea-Mampuru – a well decorated veteran of the struggle who lived all her life, fighting for a non-racial, non-sexist and a free South Africa.
Cde Thalitha Monica Lebea-Mampuru belonged to a generation of struggle heroines who made sure that the ANC continued to live, when the Apartheid Forces believed that it had swollen the Party’s ranks, within the country and abroad.

31/07/2021

For Immediate Release
31 July 2021

ANC LIMPOPO LOSES ONE OF ITS STRUGGLE GEMS

The ANC in Limpopo has learnt with a deep sense of sadness about the unfortunate passing of Cde Thalitha Monica Lebea-Mampuru – a well decorated veteran of the struggle who lived all her life, fighting for a non-racial, non-sexist and free South Africa.

Cde Thalitha Monica Lebea-Mampuru, was born on February 6, 1934 in Ga-Moleketla village in the Bolobedu South. She is the Mother to Cde Thabiso Mampuru, the current Spokesperson for the Limpopo Chapter of the ANC Veteran’s League.

The passing of Cde Thalitha Lebea-Mampuru closes a chapter of a political life, that was dedicated to the liberation of the people of South Africa. Death has robbed the people of Limpopo and South Africa of a true revolutionary, whose involvement in the liberation struggle was no accident of history.

It was during her stay in Pretoria, where she was working as a Domestic Worker, where she distinguished herself and started being involved in the politics of the ANC.
She belonged to a generation of struggle heroines who made sure that the ANC continued to live, when the Apartheid Forces believed that it had swollen the Party’s ranks, within the country and abroad.

Because of the unrelenting spirit, the Apartheid Security Forces identified her as a person of interest, after the banning of the ANC in 1964. This was because she continued with underground political activities, despite the ban – there were very few women who did that, at the time. It was at this time that the ANC advised her to leave the country to continue the work of the organisation in exile.

She left for Zambia, where she met and married the late Cde John Ramphelane Mampuru, commonly known as Ntate Mampuru or Kgoshi Mampuru. (Kgoshi Mampuru died in Lusaka in December 1987).
When she arrived in Lusaka Zambia, Cde Thalitha Lebea-Mampuru was deployed in Kitwe in the Copperbelt Province, where she was tasked with recruiting and organizing South Africans who were living in the Copperbelt Province, into the ANC.
The Copperbelt Underground Operation used Truck Drivers as information transmitters and communications for the ANC, inside and outside the Country.

Her unit operated under the leadership of the late Cde Hillary Mahlatji, and was involved in the mobilisation and recruitment of anti-apartheid activists, distribution of ANC Material and conducted fund-raising activities by selling ANC Pararphenalia.
In October 1979, Cde Thalitha was redeployed to Tanzania as the 1st matron of the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO), were she worked until 1986.
She was one of the first South Africans deployed in Tanzania, to help convert Mazimbu to become a contemporary South African village in exile, providing modern schooling, hospitals, and domicile facilities for South African comrades during the apartheid years of terror. This is where the crux of the modern-day ANC Leadership was nurtured, and received their political education.

Around 1986, Cde Thalitha was sent back to Zambia, where she was deployed within the Logistics Department. Two years after being redeployed to Zambia, in 1988, she got injured in a bomb explosion that detonated at the Logistics Office.
After the unbanning of political organisations in 1991, she was repatriated back into South Africa with her family, where she participated in the politics of the ANC freely.
In 1999 she became a recipient of the Political Stalwarts Award, conferred by the then Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi, for the outstanding contribution to a free South Africa.

The ANC in Limpopo conveys a message of condolences to the family of this Daughter of the Soil who lived her life for the true realisation of a Free South Africa.

End.

ISSUED BY ANC LIMPOPO
Soviet Lekganyane
Provincial Secretary
Enquiries
Cde Donald Selamolela
PEC Spokesperson
Cell: 0826244954
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: ANCLimpopo
Twitter: ANCLimpopo
Instagram: ANCLimpopo

10/04/2021

Media Release

Attention: All Journalists
Date: Saturday, 10 April 2021

LIMPOPO GOVERNMENT PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE JOEL MBHAZIMA SIBIYA WITH SPECIAL PROVINCIAL OFFICIAL FUNERAL GATEGORY 2

The Limpopo Provincial Government will honour the late Mr Joel Mbhazima Sibiya with a Special Provincial Official Funeral, Category 2. The late Sibiya passed on Sunday, the 04th April 2021 due to short illness.

Mr Joel Sibiya was Limpopo Provincial Head of Political Education in the ANC Veterans League’s Subcommittee on political education. His admirable role in political education spans across decades with his past roles including that of Political Commissar.

During exile years, he also received training on political education amongst other subjects such as Military Discipline and Regulations, Military and Combat Work, Tactics and Engineering.

Limpopo Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha sends his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Comrade Joel Mbhazima Sibiya.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Venue: Stand no 100 Mahatlani, Village, Hlanganani, Collins Chabane Local Municipality
Date: Sunday, 11 April 2021
Time: 07h00

Due to Covid-19 pandemic regulations, only 100 people will be allowed at the funeral. However, the funeral proceedings will be streamed live on Facebook (Office of the Premier: Limpopo Provincial Government and Zoom link)

Enquiries:
Mr W***y Mosoma
Contacts: 082 416 1347/072 102 4920
Spokesperson for the Premier.

Issued by:
Office of the Premier
Limpopo Provincial Government.

08/04/2021

06/04/2021

Memorial and Funeral Service for the late Comrade Joel Sibiya.

06/04/2021

06 April 2021

Enquiries
Melody Mampuru
ANCVL Provincial Administrator
0649365252


ANCVL Media Statement on the Passing of Struggle Veteran Cde Joel Mbhazima Sibiya.

The ANCVL mourns the untimely passing of struggle veteran Cde Joel Mbhazima Sibiya.

The ANCVL in Limpopo province learnt with deep shock the news about the passing of Cde Joel Mbhazima Sibiya who was the Provincial Head of the ANCVL Sub-committee on Political Education.

Cde Joel Sibiya took his last breath on the 04 April 2021, at 1 Military Hospital after a short illness.

The African National Congress and indeed the ANCVL has lost a political treasure, a leader par excellence, who was steeped deep in the theory and practice of our struggle. Cde Joel Sibiya was an outstanding cadre with unquestionable love for his people and unwavering commitment to the struggle for libertarian.

On the 09 April 1953, in Mahatlani Village Hlanganani, Tatana Maxitsha Sam
Sibiya and Manana Madzivandlela (Gavaza) Sibiya welcomed the birth of their son, who they affectionately named Joel Mbazhima Sibiya. Cde Joel Sibiya was the last child of four sibling born between Tatana Maxitsha Sam Sibiya and Manana Madzivandlela (Gavaza) Sibiya.

Cde Joel started his primary education at Mahatlani primary school. He went on to complete his junior secondary schooling at Douglas Laing Smith Secondary School. After completing his Junior teaching course in 1972 at Tivumbeni Training School, he went to Bankuna high school where he matriculated in 1973.

Like many young black South Africans at the time, Cde Joel witnessed the harsh realities of oppression by the notorious apartheid regime. Cde Joel became a bibliophile at a young age. He also developed keen interest in the welfare of the people around him at a young age. It was thus not surprising and as a matter of fact, it was inevitable that Cde Joel would join the struggle for liberation and became a Army Commander and a Political Commissar of note.

Cde Joel’s political activism started during his studies at Bankuna high, having been influenced by his father who usually brought him political pamphlets whenever he returned from work in the mines. He would also listen to external radio stations, including radio freedom secretly during the night.

Cde Joel cut his political teeth at the height of political activities and unrest in the mid 1970s, whilst studying at the University of Limpopo, then known as Turfloop. His political education was further sharpened by reading ANC pamphlets which were made available by Cdes George Mashamba who was a lecturer at the university and Cde Mavivi Miyakayaka Manzini who was also a student at the same university and is currently the South African Ambassador in Namibia.

During his studies at the university his knowledge and love of the ANC grew and he participated in the Frelimo rally. His activism attracted the apartheid special branch agents hostility toward him.

After the June 1976 students uprisings, Cde Joel Sibiya was subjected to police harassment and the worst form of police brutality. The security branch, would frequently harass his family. When the university closed, the special branch agents tortured and interrogated him on several occasions. Fearing arrest, Cde Joel was forced to take a difficult decision to flee the country. Together with Cde Forkat Mathebula (combat name Samora) they skipped the country and joined the ANC in Mozambique in 1977.

From Mozambique, Cde Joel was sent to Angola where he underwent military training in Katengue, Benguela and Caxito 1977 - 1981. At the same time he became the Camp Commander at Benguela (1979) and Caxito (1977 - 1981). In Benguela together with other MK combatants, they lived and worked alongside Cuban Cadres. As part of military training, he was trained in engineering, tactics, Military and Combat Work (MCW), Conspiracy and Political Education as well as Military Discipline and Regulations.

In 1982, Cde Joel underwent further training in tactics, Military and Combat Work (MCW), Conspiracy and Political Education in the then German Democratic Republic (GDR) or East Germany.

Between 1984 - 1987, he worked at radio freedom in Lusaka Zambia, as a radio announcer, news reader and also did commentaries in english and xitsonga.

In 1989, he worked as a teacher at Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMACO) Primary School, an ANC school in Tanzania, where he taught history and english. NnCde Joel was affectionately known as Teacher Teffo by many of his young students who have matured to occupy many positions of responsibility in the ANC and government in the democratic South Africa.

After the unbanning of the ANC in 1991, Cde Joel returned from exile with his wife Cde Susan Sibiya, his three small children who are born in exile, and his brother and sisters in-law. Upon his arrival, he wasted no time in finding his home among the ANC comrades inside the country. Cde Joel played a significant role in rebuilding the structures of the organisation in Vhembe Region (Far North) where he served the organisation and the SACP in difference capacities.

Cde Joel also worked as an english and history Teacher at Liivha School where he was also responsible for discipline and debates.

Cde Joel was a seasoned and committed communist. Between 2000 - 2004, he was elected as a member the ANC REC, PEC of the SACP in both capacities responsible for Political Education. Between 2001 - 2004, he worked at Limpopo Provincial Legislature as a Senior Manager in the office of the Speaker.

Cde Joel was re-elected to the ANC REC and Deputy Chairperson of MKMVA in Vhembe Region between 2004 - 2006, also responsible for Political Education.

Between 2004 - 2009, Cde Joel was deployed as a member of the NCOP, where he served as Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic, Public Enterprise and Foreign Affairs. He was also deployed as one of the observers for elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar under SADC.

Cde Joel served in the Department of Agriculture as a Senior Manager and adviser to the MEC. He was shifted to be Senior Manager in the Security Management Division, responsible for security management when the MEC was on working visits within and outside the province.

At the time of his passing, Cde Joel Sibiya was an active member of the ANCVL, serving as the Provincial Head of Political Education.

Cde Joel belongs to a generation of Cdes who chose to face the might of the South African regime in the fight for the dignity and liberation of the oppressed masses of South Africa. He chose the perilous and less traversed road, clearly understanding that such a road could easily lead to the utmost sacrifice of life.

The perils of the road he had chosen did not deter him because he was convinced about the legitimacy of the course for which the ANC fought and stood for.

Cde Joel Sibiya’s life is the epitome of our peoples’ struggle against colonial and apartheid oppression. He took a firm stance against corruption and factionalism that has become second nature to some in the organisation. He was a dependable and dedicated comrade who was committed to see the renewal of the ANC to its former glory as a movement of the people.

Once more, death has robbed us of a dependable cadre at the time when we needed him most.

We convey our heartfelt condolences to the Sibiya family, in particular his beloved wife Cde Susan Sibiya, his children Kensani, Gillian, Lilly and Sam.

Our debt to this fallen gallant and his service to the ANC and our country can never be repaid if we do not defeat the demonic cancer of corruption, factionalism, the growing economic inequalities in our society and the scourge of gender based violence and femicide. He has earned our undying gratitude. We will never forget his sacrifice. May his soul rest in peace.

Cde Joel Sibiya will be laid to rest at his home village of Mahatlani Hlanganani on Sunday the 11 April 2021. A memorial service in his honor will be held on the 09 April 2021 at Mahatlani Hlanganani.


Hamba kahle Mkhonto.

Etlela hi ku rhula n'wana Mang'ichi na N'wamkhacani, wena ntukulu wa Tsakani, etlela hi ku rhula wena xivuri xa makhombo, wena o biya nge Nkomo u ma abanye be biya nga mahlahla, wena Sotobe, Mthunzi o muhle, Gijiiiima......Mbuyi.

Matla, Maanda, Matimba, All Power to the People.


Prepared by the ANCVL Acting Deputy Provincial Secretary Cde Phiroane Phala @ 082 390 2057.


ANCVL Provincial Spokesperson Cde Thabiso Mampuru @ 071 616 2625

ANCVL Media and Communications Team Cde Emmanuel Matidze @ 072 496 6779
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