Chris(t) Hani

Yesterday I wrote about Chris Hani (in Swedish), who was assassinated 10 April 1993. Today I continue, in English this time, by adding a “t” to his first name. Having watched the news yesterday evening and also read some newspapers on line, I understand that there are similarities between Chris (Hani) and Christ. (I also believe that there are major differences!

Allow me to mention some of the similarities. It has to do with the way either politicians or theologians are using either Chris Hani or Christ to argue about the present situation. According to Mail and Guardian the top officials from the Tripartite alliance (ANC, Cosatu and SACP) were in attendance at the 20th anniversary commemorations of former South African Communist Party (SACP) General Secretary Chris Hani in Boksburg. M&G writes:

… but instead of the ceremony focusing on the fallen Hani's memory, the occasion was used to fire broadsides at foes within the alliance.

The Sowetan also writes:

 THE grave of former SA Communist Party leader Christ Hani was turned into a battlefield over his legacy.

The General Secretary of Cosatu, Zwelinzima Vavi, spoke first and he focused on the greed and corruption in today’s political life in South Africa. According to M&G he said:

He [Chris Hani] would never have tolerated the levels of corruption, fraud and squandering of public resources, and be absolutely devastated at the assassination of political rivals over the spoils of office …

Another quote makes me associate to Christ:

He [Hani] epitomised the principle of selflessness. He was prepared to sacrifice all for what he believed in …

The General Secretary of the SACP, Blade Nzimande, was obviously not happy with what Vavi said. M&G quotes him: 

The dead can't be deployed so don't say what Chris would or would not have done …

When I listened to the report in SAFM the reporter said that President Zuma after that spoke more conciliatory and that is also what M&G says. But at the same time he wanted to use Chris Hani to enhance unity in the ANC. M&G has the following quote: 

It would be wrong to use the name of comrade Chris for anything but the ultimate unity of the ANC … 

On the positive note President Zuma closed the proceedings by singing, what seems to be, his new trade mark song: 

Inde indlela Esihambayo, wathi Mandela! (We’ve got a long road to lead, so said Mandela!) 

And of course this is much better than his old: Umshini wami (Bring me my machine gun)

Over the radio I also heard somebody commenting on the anniversary who said something like this:

Gandi said, that if it wasn’t for the behavior of the Christians, he might have become Christian himself. It is the same with South Africa: If it wasn’t for the way ANC politicians are acting, I might have joined the ANC myself.

This also made me think that there are so many similarities in the way people use role models like Chris Hani or even Jesus Christ.

Therefore it is, as a Christian, important to say that Jesus is not only a role model. Our belief is that the importance lies in what he did and what he still does. Having said this, there is also a good thing to have him as a role model. But even if we do not manage to live up to his legacy, we can count on his liberation. Not only the forgiveness of our short comings but also inspiration and support when we continue on the road. (Which, of course, is long ....)