MARAXWE - The ANC suffered a terrible blow when it recently lost two energetic young members. They were both buried on Saturday.

Jonathan Ndou (25) and Maanda Munzhedzi (25) died in the line of duty, when the car they were traveling in was involved in an accident on September 29. The young activists, who were both students at the University of Venda (Univen), were traveling to Mapate Village to launch a youth council.

Munzhedzi, who held a diploma in information technology, was due to complete his Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations this year, whereas Ndou was a third year student for the same degree at Univen.

Munzhedzi held several positions, which included being the Secretary of Thulamela Youth Council, Deputy Chairperson of the Univen ANC Youth League, member of Univen Student Parliament, and member of the Sasco Deployment Committee. In the past, he also worked as the chairperson of the Shayandima ANC Youth League from 1996 to 1997, treasurer of the Shayandima Youth League in 1998, chairperson of Cosas Far North Region from 1997 to 1999, and deputy chairperson at the provincial congress of Cosas from 1999 to 2000.

On the other, hand Ndou also participated in active groundwork in the ANC. Before his departure, he served as secretary of the ANC Youth League, Khwathelani Branch, secretary of the ANC Youth Council, Makonde Sanco representative and he also served as an Exofficio delegate for the Khwathelani ANC Branch.

The first session of the funeral started at Makonde Village, outside Thohoyandou, where Ndou was buried. After Ndou’s burial, the huge crowd of mourners, most of them in ANC regalia, proceeded to Maraxwe village about 40 km west of Makonde, to give Munzhedzi his last farewell.

The Mayor of Thulamela Municipality, Khosi Thivhulawi Makumbane, said the young militants showed bravery, as they died when they were struggling to bring a better life to the youth of South Africa. Makumbane said the contributions of Munzhedzi and Ndou will remain to be seen, as they were patriots who justified the course of the struggle for the emancipation of mankind from all forms of slavery.

“Though these young comrades did not live long, they made a very big difference in the lives of everyone, especially when they pursued the struggle to open the doors of learning to the youth of our country. Acknowledging their expertise and leadership capacities, the nation is in deep mourning as we have lost the young giants of the struggle who still had a lot to offer for the development of the community…” said Makumbane.

The Secretary of the ANC Vhembe Region, Mr Tshifhiwa Dali said that although the ANC accepts what happened, it would be difficult to forget that death has robbed the organization young comrades who were full of zeal, courage and enthusiasm. Dali also encouraged the youth to pick up the spear and continue the struggle from where Munzhedzi and Ndou left.