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Members of the MKMVA carry the casket containing the remains of  Mr Norman Oupa Mashaba to a waiting hearse before his burial at the Musina Nancefield cemetery.

MK soldier buried at Musina Nancefield

 

Hundreds of mourners and members of Mkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) braved the heavy rains to pay their last respects to the MKMVA Regional Deputy Secretary, Norman Oupa Mashaba (45), who was buried at Musina on Saturday.

Mashaba died on 21 March.

During the event, speakers described Mashaba as a true soldier who played a very important role in the liberation struggle of South Africa. Mr Shonisani Sinyosi, a member of the regional working committee of the ANC, said the death of Mashaba came as a shock to the people of Vhembe. “He was one of the most reliable cadres of the movement and we are devastated by his passing. He was readily available whenever there was any ANC or MKMVA task that needed to be fulfilled. This man we are burying here today dedicated his life to the ANC and we should make sure that we jealously guard against people who misuse our rights and freedom. Indeed, the spear has fallen, but we will pick it up and continue to defend what Mashaba stood for while he was still alive.”

The regional chairperson of the MKMVA, Mr Speedo Dau, said there was still much to be done to improve the lives of the people who fought for freedom like Mashaba. He hailed Mashaba as a hero whose contribution to the liberation struggle will never be forgotten. Mr Bazooka Maphari, who trained with Mashaba, stated that Mashaba was a brave soldier who was dedicated to the struggle of freedom. "I remember when we wanted to run away from the camp because the training was very hard, but he was the one who encouraged us to stay on. As a commander of our platoon, we learnt a lot of things from him – this includes discipline, dedication, hard work and tolerance. He was like a brother to me and I will miss him dearly.”

A son of the deceased, Mr Abednego Mashaba, described his father as a loving person who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Other speakers who paid tribute included representatives from the ANC Youth League, Young Communist League, ANC Women’s League, Cosatu and the SACP.

News - Date: 02 April 2015

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