ANC STATEMENT ON DECISION TO NOT APPEAL DERBY-LEWIS RULING

Friday, 5 June 2015

Johannesburg

Today, 5 June 2015, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services issued a statement announcing that it would not appeal the decision of the Pretoria High Court to release Clive Derby-Lewis on medical parole following a ruling last week. The African National Congress has consistently committed itself to the rule of law; the attainment of which Comrade Chris Hani laid down his life. We therefore acknowledge both the decision of the Department of Justice and the High Court Ruling (see report).

Speaking after the assassination of Comrade Chris Hani, President Mandela said “The cold-blooded murder of Chris Hani has sent shock waves throughout the country and the world. Our grief and anger is tearing us apart…Chris Hani is irreplaceable in the heart of our nation and people”. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up in 1995 to promote national unity and reconciliation, had identified truth as the road to reconciliation. It further identified full disclosure as a necessary precondition for healing to occur.

Twenty two years later, Clive Derby-Lewis has still not provided an explanation to the Hani family, the revolutionary Alliance and the people of South Africa as to why and on whose instruction he robbed our nation of an incomparable hero and selfless freedom fighter. Our country and our people have never forgotten this national tragedy. Our legitimate anger and grief never provided an opportunity to full closure. Even at this stage, we still demand full disclosure on the circumstances surrounding Comrade Hani’s death and details on who acted with Derby Lewis and Walus. 

Notwithstanding the above, the African National Congress calls upon South Africans, across race and political divide, to continue to uphold the memory and legacy of Isithwalandwe/ Seaparankoe Comrade Chris Hani as a gallant, courageous and disciplined cadre. He lived his life for the freedom of all people of South Africa, black and white.

Realisation of this vision demands that at this time, South Africans come together, with sensitivity and understanding, around a vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society. Today’s development cannot and should not be used to reopen old antagonisms but rather to help move us forward.

Statement issued by the African National Congress, June 5 2015