Chris Hani: the tragic story of a liberation hero

In today’s episode, we explore the inspirational and tragic life of Martin Thembisile “Chris” Hani-anti-apartheid hero.
📚 Today’s Episode Features:
- Hani’s early early life
- His rise as a young radical
- His rise to ANC leader
- His rise to iconic status
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_______
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:36 - Hani's early life
00:10:41 - The young radical
00:24:11 - The ANC Leader
00:30:00 - The Icon
_______
Credits:
Director: Bongani Nkosi
Producer: Oratile Kekana
Production Manager: Noluthando Mkhize
DOP and Editor: Bongani Nkosi
2nd camera operator and assistant editor: Lesego Kgobe
Photographer: Bongani Nkosi
Sound: Kgothatso Senne
Social Media Manager: Oratile Kekana
About me: Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is an author, scholar and founder of the Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Xperience (SMWX), a digital, youth-centred current affairs platform. He holds a DPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford and is a Lecturer in International Relations at Wits.

[@VictorShongwe]

SIZWE PLIS FOLLOW UP WITH BANTU STEVE BIKO, ROBERT SOBUKWE, SOLOMON MAHLANGU. MUCH APPRECIATED WORK SON OF THE SOIL!

[@keneilwemalegase8185]

I agree❤

[@napstar3933]

Don't forget Samora Machel

[@Rendani_]

I second this

[@thabomashiane8265]

A deep dive into the Hani and Biko matters will reveal a common denominator. The mole, the traitor, the enemy...inja

[@constantinekayodeakinfolar8977]

Bravo Sizwe👏👏👏you are engaged in a war to liberate minds from ignorance and provoke the rise of a new consciousness. A necessary mind struggle. Salute

[@_SMWX]

🙌🏽

[@MrXolaX]

Doc, you have found your lane! Please keep going with these ❤🙌🏾

[@Mbewuleni]

A well rounded Leader.A Soldier of the Revolution,A great Intellectual,A man of the people, A man of Action.

[@HWFrancois]

Your episode on Chris Hani was mind-blowing. I am very happy to be an African . May you continue to educate us about our African leaders' past and present. Thank you.

[@bukelwamdleleni8247]

Yahoo my son ,you such a blessing to our country .God bless you

[@lungamhlongo7366]

Cant wait for the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe episode.

[@thamsanqakumkati7532]

Thixo himself, Makhedama

[@christinemarnewick2847]

29 october 1992 Chris Hani said "what I fear is that the liberators emerge as ELITISTS who drive around in Mercedes Benzes and use the resources of this country to live in palaces and to gather riches". He saw all this coming.

[@tell.A.vision]

All of you have no actual proof of this. Show us a transcript or video where he said this. Don't get me wrong. Ah Ntshonyane! Nkanda ebomvu! The rose of Cofimvaba... What I hate is people peddling lies and creating statements that were never said.

[@ayakhasokabo8816]

😂I remember writing the same quote in an essay in high school.

[@gysgijsbers4202]

​@@tell.A.vision Is it not the truth though, when one looks at political leaders in Africa and in South Africa specifically?

[@busisantlombe6078]

This is by far the best biography of Chris Hani I've ever watched. It has brought tears to my eyes. Thank in abundance and we are all indebted to you with the thought provoking content you provide us with.💯

[@masauso100]

A gallant son of Africa. My favourite SA politician of all time. I am so proud of my country's involvement in the liberation of Southern Africa 🇿🇲 🇿🇲

[@nhlakaniphoxaba5661]

I'm a History teacher, I did not know the Hani Memorandum. Thank you Dr Sizwe Mpofu and please do not stop uncovering the History that we are not given. Yes, please do another video about Hani, especially the controversy around his Assassination. We may have an idea of a person who actaully orchestrated his murder.😊

[@gcmchechesy5124]

Another video pliz specifically on his assassination

[@ntombizodwadube6972]

That’s what colonialism did & still doing , how can you teach history of other nationalities, countries & yet you don’t know your own South African history or your Xhosa , Zulu, Sotho , Pedi, Africa as a continental history & heritage? or black history worldwide???? This makes us more dependent on whites so called truth in reality it’s lies , because if we don’t know ourselves then they will write lies about us then we follow those lies even to an extent of killing each other to protect white lies about us . Vuka mzo nsundu Vuka Darkie. Lies like there was no one is South Africa when jan van riebeck came here it’s all lies so we don’t dispossess our land why the was a Zulu/ English war far back before boers, which country did they find Sara Batman ?? . The first European to land in South Africa were the Portuguese in 13 centuries Jan Van riebeck came in 1652 long after Portuguese , same as religion they changed so much that it’s becoming hard to believe the holly book if it’s really holly because the whites have broken every law of the 10 commandments yet they are prospering they have their heaven here on earth , us blacks we have more churches that school, universities, libraries, sports facilities combined in Africa yet we are the poorest, we kill each other to save the white, we are praying to go to heaven so we can have the best while the whites have their best here on earth. We need to were our history now for the next generation to conme .

[@sibusisodhlamini5974]

Sizwe you are an asset to this country and the black nation. Our kids need to listen to this. This is what needs to trend

[@user-xk5pr6xb9v]

Thank you Sizwe mntanam to elaborating this painful tragedy story of Thembisile Hani 😭😭😭💔

[@mxolisizuma2511]

Thank you very much my brother for the work you are doing to help Africans to see the truth about America and the westerns, One love from South Africa, it's sad because like slavery there are people who are helping them from within us because they are benefiting Dollars some even have dollars in their couches.

[@AphiweNtlemeza93]

Well done Sizwe! Please continue doing such segments!

[@mxolisimphago9842]

He was the greatest leader ever to come from South Africa . It's sad that he was taken out by his own comrades as he predicted .

[@sammylu4702]

Can you interview Mcebo Dlamini please Dr Sizwe mfethu

[@user-lc1ih8vm8z]

Thank you Mr Mpofu for these types of insight's i now know what type of proper information to share with my children.I have got more interested now on Mr T Hani life,i will definitely get his books thank you Sir.

[@MrReMoGP]

Please profile Peter Mokaba

[@tell.A.vision]

1000000%!!!!!!

[@boitumelobmolomo2298]

🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@ntokozohlatshwayo1836]

Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe 🙏

[@MsebenziSpan-jf6ce]

Geat stuff, Mhlekazi A similar program on Steve Biko would be much appreciated.

[@katenkosi1389]

SIZWE thanks for the sharing with us these important information and our history that it's very helpful to us all ❤

[@bigthangz5489]

Im alnost 40, & only now at my big old age, only now im hearing about the 'Hani Memorandum' So much history hidden from us. i could cry for a week right now.

[@user-bp9hb7mh6q]

Thank you Sizwe. Abaningi abalazi iqiniso ngo Mr Hani, however ulwazi luyadingeka ukuze baqonde about western countries.

[@sammakwela]

I see what you're doing.. You're really good! (Thank you) This video got me wondering: where are this calibre of leaders today? Are they entrepreneurs, C-suite, KZbinrs? My observation is that Freedom is like Health. It's attainment means little without its maintenance. Ayeye!

[@umbukisobtv]

Can you please get some history about the current president and the role he played during apartheid struggle.

[@surprisethanjekwayo8846]

The is a brilliant book written about Bhuti Thembisile, it mentions everything that you spoke about. After Mandela we needed him , I am sure we would have been on the right track economically in this country, selfless man. It also speaks volumes that Mbeki had a problem with both him and Zuma, it says a lot.

[@thulimahlazitha9858]

Wow, Doc this brought me to tears as i was a youth in the 1980 and we saw how Chris was marginalised somewhat, leading to his assasination....wow😪 i think the country is ready to pick up from where he left, whatever it takes!

[@lwandotame6325]

Ayeye Doctor SMW, You're playing a very important role in educating this generation and the next one about their real history. This is really great work 💯❤. Salute 🫡

[@neommutle8033]

❤ Great 👍🏾 episode Dr.Sizwe, as a history buff I enjoyed this one. I gave up on South Africa 🇿🇦 then, when he was killed. I remember I was in grd 11, the feeling of something broke, and it will never be fixed.Tokyo crying next to his body, I knew then but couldn't explain it, that things will never be the same again. Like a feeling of being robbed 😪. Can you do one on women leaders, like mama Charlotte.😊

[@mbuyisenisiwela7605]

Bob Marley sang and asked "..how long shall THEY kill our prophets while we stand aside and look?". somehow Revolution seems inevitable

[@jacquesdewet2661]

Africa need EVOLUTION my friend.. not more failed revolutions funded by the rich!

[@cheapsk8]

The fire is indeed spreading.

[@andilentuli8261]

Hey Sizwe please invite Lindiwe Hani Chris's daughter

[@pinkymnyango6036]

I would love to hear from Dimpho ( the wife ) there r fire crackers there, she s the real. ❤

[@sosmansa5359]

Good idea we need to see his side

[@theidealisticman]

Spread the education. Ayeye!

[@_SMWX]

Haha!

[@johntloti7065]

..very happy to be an African indeed.Thank you Dr Sizwe, thank you Chris Hani.

[@dawnmaepa2228]

Dr Mpofu, this is beautiful, thank you. This would make an incredible movie...weaving in the role of Mpho Hani, an opportunity to exhibit the role of women "behind" prominent struggle icons and as icons themselves.

[@Kganki.N.Mphahlele]

Kindly do that Hani afterlife video Doc, we also want O.R Tambo Commemoration Lecture on the 24th of April. Later do one about Sobukwe.

[@berniediedricks5681]

Great leaders need the recognition 4 the struggle... We ❤❤❤democracy

[@Ngwanya2010]

Great work Doc, so informative. I didn't know about the "Zipra, Mkhonto alliance" , I've always asked myself what was being said when that part of the song came around.

[@_SMWX]

👍🏽

[@doyouhaveyourtoothbrush6660]

Hi Sizwe.... this is a brilliant episode.Thank you. Please unpack more of Hani's role in the armed Struggle. We also need to hear about all those other heroes like Steve Biko, Neville Alexander and others who had a different vision for South Africa. We need this history to think about the future . Spread the fire!

[@stephenrakoma6328]

A typology of Chris Hani this was 😍. `thank you Dr SMWX for thes best way of sharing Hani's life comprehensively in a simple 4D typology.

[@dudunxumalo3652]

Thank you so much Sizwe for reminding us of this...

[@teknikairaoulolgandessabek4102]

32.30 Hi Sizwe, De Klerk does not make that announcement out of nowhere. At that time, the SADF has been defeated militarily in Angola. Namibia is about to gain independence and the Berlin Wall is about to fall. Sanctions are starting to be felt and negotiations with the ANC and Mandela are taking place behind the scenes. These were interesting times indeed.

[@user-yc4sz7xx4s]

Thank you for highlighting this. I decided against doing so because Sizwe might have been keeping an eye on video length/time. But I fully agree with you. It was not out of nowhere and it is hardly spoken of

[@FariedaLukie]

Brilliant Telling .Interesting.SA coming to Life ..Keep it up !

[@mlinganimatiwane]

More Hani Content Please. Also maybe start a second channel when you reach that 100k subs mark.

[@masibam7752]

I get really emotional everytime I hear this Man speak...wafela amanyala uChris

[@libumbelufundo6118]

Fantastic episode. 🔥

[@_SMWX]

Thanks!

[@lethumdlalose8495]

Thank you Sizwe, we really appreciate all your efforts and for remaining humble and respectful in your approach. I would like to suggest an episode on Sefako Makgatho

[@danielkaunda6721]

I love it too when you teach professor. Continue on this series of legends. Bless

[@LorrainePietersen-sj8fe]

Yes we need to talk more about honey reconstructing Our south Africa

[@LorrainePietersen-sj8fe]

I meant Hani

[@LorrainePietersen-sj8fe]

45:19 45:19

[@kari_xo]

Thank you so much Dr Mpofu-Walsh for being so trustworthy with the facts and an avid teacher of our history. You are contributing to better and more informed citizens

[@ColinByrne-aiazmir]

I was terribly saddened and shocked by the assassination of Chris Hani, as well as that of Steve Biko, so thank you for this tribute to an authentic and ethical black leader. Perhaps you can do a program about Steve Biko as well, and there were so many others too.

[@thabanithusi2609]

Hi Dr Sizwe I salute you...can you also take us through Steve Biko and Ramaphosa

[@kwenasamsonkgomo3291]

Thanks, Dr Sizwe!

[@mananammalegae]

Thank you Sizwe 👏🏾❤️

[@MamodiseMailula]

Thanks for this offering. Please do more on Chris Hani. May his beautiful soul rest.

[@laviousmogorosi8209]

Thanks very much brother, i learned a lot, God bless you more ❤

[@nkosik8885]

thank you for this episode Sizwe.

[@Sylvester_Mashile]

Loving the history lessons 👌

[@_SMWX]

🙌🏽

[@tebogoteka7791]

Yes please Sizwe part two, we need to hear more about it, its very important for the future and direction the country its going.

[@bandilesimelane6841]

Very good informative 🤝❤️

[@mirriamgiddie9860]

I have read his biograpghy,life too short but i must say a lot has been left out which you Dr Sizwe has covered,rhank you for this ,love from Botswana

[@luyandasidiya]

Thank you for this necessary information, please let's continue a bit about him, stay blessed.

[@theonly6359]

Thanks Sizwe.

[@susangrobbelaar9889]

I enjoy listening to you and what you bring to the table.

[@luxolonelani6660]

s/o on the technical quality doc, this new back drop also high end. Now let’s take in the content..

[@lindiwemagagula6256]

Thank you Dr. Winnie Madikizela Mandela would also be interesting

[@njabulodlamini1192]

I really enjoy these segments. Highly informative and made easy to understand. Thank you Sizwe

[@makabongwemkosi5396]

Very informative content that the white media has denied us as young people of this country for 3 decades big up to you young man continue in doing a great in reminding us on our roots and history 👏👏 may Chris Hani spirit continue to live

[@adv.andersonmudunungu3285]

An excellent narration and, very inspiring story of a gallant freedom fighter

[@nlocnil3602]

Absolutely love the biography format. We want as many of our leaders as possible.

[@brendamgidlana8850]

Thank you Sizwe 🙏

[@NameBrand6743]

I thought I had a good idea of how radical Hani was but after listening to this I am seriously re-educated. Walsh & Co, thank you for a great channel✊

[@LuuPhiwane]

Thank you so much for this Sizwe

[@saanditshona737]

Danko sizwe your work is apriciated 🎉

[@sabelwesihlengcobo1215]

Great stuff Hlubi. Let's definitely do this life-after-Hani episode. It seems to me the three posible contenders to Mandela succession were, in opposite extremes, Hani of the people and Ramaphosa of Whiteness with Mbeki somewhere in the middle. I see it as in the nature of a reconciliatory Mandela that he opted for Mbeki. I think it would be great to give fresh eyes, as a follow-up to this episode, to the other two remaining parties to this trio of possible three trajectories of a post-Mandela South Africa. Sanibona Hlubi

[@joepaul5971]

Doc please do one about Sobukwe

[@lebooza3476]

Thank you so much Sizwe. This was very intresting. Could you please give us a Biography for Steve Biko. Would also appreciate if u recommend books/articles to read about these topics as part of the description. Thank you for continuing to Spread the Fire🔥🔥🔥

[@sikhondebele8920]

Wow Sizwe you are a teacher, I'm learning a lot at my age. Thanks Dr Mpofu you genius 💪💪💪

[@Olwam_Mnqwazi]

I love the quote you ended with. It seems SA is moving towards that direction as it is. It’s important to allow organic association to form as people need their interests met by the democratic state. It will be important to normalize these formations and promote their right to existence otherwise more and more people will feel like they are misrepresented by the few dominant formations currently. Furthermore, there needs to be more focus on how independent candidates can be protected from being undermined by party political formations. The downfall to this though might be their vulnerability to corruption led by big business to buy votes. Independents can’t account to themselves in this regard. Congratulations once again on this episode. Where possible, please look into the qualitative aspects of Hani’s intellectual contribution which you attribute to him being radical - what did he say and how was he deviating from ANC policy. Lastly, it is in the nature of the ANC (ugalelebhayini) and big organisations to overwhelm/drown individuals and lone voices for the benefit of the movement which generally moves slow - as an elephant (as uncle Gwede would say). Makwande mntakwethu.

[@the_making_of_a_leader]

Thank you for this video 🔥🔥🔥 God bless you 🙏🏽 Can you please do one about Tsietsi Mashinini

[@bigthangz5489]

Si rh@bulise d0kotela !!!!!😊 .... Great work on this channel👌👌👌👌👌👌👌

[@mutuallnclucv6509]

This is the history that our basic education system was told to never teach, i still ask myself that how one can continue negotiating with his neighbor for peace after they have killed his sibling and act like everything is okay, unless they also helped. Sizwe can we please get a part 2, more especially on his last day before and after being killed, and if possible touch base on the people that were suspected in the ANC. This is what Netflix or showmax must be making a whole documentary about, but they would rather tell us about thabo bexter, this is a clearly indication that are lot of people have been paid to make sure that Hani's name loses its value year by year. no movie about him or university but just a hospital that is not even properly been ran in his honor.

[@mandzisim6886]

We need more on post Chris Hani and more biographies please!!

[@TheGiganticIntellect]

I didn't expect this one sizwe 👌👌💪💪

[@vibewithapretorian3949]

Thank you Dr you always those of us in the dark

[@makhosininkosi2430]

Thank you

[@MoagiMasike-yp6us]

A young Chris took interest in politics when his father, who was also a political activist, gave him an explanation of Apartheid and from then on he took part in the liberation struggle. May his revolutionary soul continue to RIP

[@tonicba4748]

Thank you for a profound episode🙏

[@nkosinathiist]

Your narration skills are peerless.Impeccable work Hlubi

[@_SMWX]

Thank you!

[@PhillipMoema]

Nice work, I really enjoyed this. Well articulated, well done Size.

[@patricknkosi5412]

Thanks!

[@bahlemotshegoa4528]

Great episode as usual. Yes we would like a second episode detailing the aftermath of Hani's death

[@TheCyab]

Brilliant video and yes please, could you please make a video on that topic of the aftermath and the cases as well

[@luvuyomncedisimsimango8244]

Danko! We definitely, would love a look into the aftermath of his death, the theories, the law suits, etc. And Bios of Biko, Sobukwe and Tiro...love the work brother.

[@tshepomashinini7467]

Great episode on Chris Hani, please do one for Sobukwe and Mothopeng - particularly events towarts 1976, June 16, and his altimate arrest and the secret trial held in the rural town of Bethal Mpumalanga.

[@voetstoets]

Great presentation. I learned a lot. It sounds like he was a strong and principled leader. I remember the time when he was assasinated and the knife edge that the country was on for a few days. It happened during a sensitive part of the negotiations, and everyone thought the country was going to erupt.

[@TembekaNtsokota]

Thank mpofu junior

[@sifisoradebe4322]

Well articulated history Dr, I was doubting listening to this lecture but I started I was intrigued keep the fire of educating us burning. Ayeye!

[@nicodemusmwimba5506]

Equally when you look at such historical eventualities or memoirs be it bibliography, please make some book recommendations.

[@_SMWX]

There aren’t many biographies of Chris Hani. But two I would recommend: Chris Hani: A Life Too Short (Janet Smith ms Beauregard Tromp) Chris Hani (Hugh MacMillan)

[@jacquesdewet2661]

@@_SMWX - Why did you delete my post?

[@jacquesdewet2661]

Paul Trewhela: Inside Quadro Read the truth!

[@theonly6359]

@@jacquesdewet2661 I think it is KZbin that deleted your comment. It does that a lot nowadays

[@sizwemlangeni9158]

I always wanted to know about this mysterious guy. Thank you Sizwe.

[@seandavido]

Yes pls do a video on aftermath and mystery surrounding Hani’s life