April 13, 2025
The family of slain anti-apartheid struggle icon Chris Hani has disassociated itself from a controversial public statement released on the 32nd anniversary of his assassination, denouncing it as an opportunistic ploy aimed at self-enrichment.
The statement, which has circulated widely online, is purportedly issued by a man named Siko Boysie Hani, who claims to be the head of the Hani family through "natural succession." It alleges that the ANC, the government, and allied organizations have been exploiting Hani’s legacy for personal gain and that the family has been left in financial distress as a result.
“Every year, the government, ANC, and its alliances spend millions in commemoration campaigns for Thembisile Chris Martin Hani for self-enrichment opportunities,” the statement reads. It also claims a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to “assist” the family in fighting back against the alleged exploitation.
However, the legitimacy of the statement has been firmly rejected by Hani’s recognized relatives in Sabalele.
Mphatheli Hani, nephew of the late Chris Hani and son of his eldest brother Mbuyiselo, dismissed the statement as false and unauthorized.
“It has come to our attention as the Chris Hani family in Sabalele that there is a statement circulating in our name,” said Mphatheli Hani. “That is not our statement, and neither have we been consulted about what it says and alleges. We dismiss both the statement and all the malicious allegations made with contempt.”
He went on to condemn attempts to delegitimize Limpho Hani, Chris Hani’s widow, and distanced the family from accusations made against her by Siko Hani.
“The family distances itself from all the false and unjustifiable claims made against Aunt Limpho. They border on nothing else but the sheer pursuit of self-entitlement and greed,” Mphatheli said.
“These actions are reminiscent of a seemingly stubborn tendency by some to abuse the name of Chris Hani for self-enrichment and political expediency. All these actions are tantamount to reputational damage and must be shamed.”
In his statement, Siko Hani claimed lineage through his grandfather Dafulani Hani’s eldest son Dushe, asserting that traditional leadership customs grant him authority over family matters. He also criticized political figures for allegedly sidelining his side of the family in favor of consulting exclusively with Limpho Hani.
This is not the first time individuals claiming family ties to Hani have made public demands or accusations. Mphatheli Hani noted that previous claims made by individuals purporting to be Hani’s daughters were investigated by the Department of Home Affairs, but those individuals failed to undergo DNA testing to support their claims.
“They must just do the right thing,” he said.
Chris Hani, a revered leader of the liberation movement and commander of the ANC’s military wing uMkhonto we Sizwe, was assassinated on April 10, 1993 — an event that nearly derailed South Africa’s transition to democracy.
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