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The hallmark of a true ANC leader has always been undiluted commitment to the task of liberating our people. The ANC also demands uncompromising adherence to policy, love of the people and selflessness of the highest order. Comrade Nzo was an embodiment.

His commitment to the task of liberation saw him lose chances for higher education. It saw his profession as a social worker ending just when it was blossoming. Like many leaders of the liberation movement, he earned the wrath of the oppressors to the extent that he had to leave his country and his people. Many family members died during his years in exile.

Exile posed the challenges of convincing the world that apartheid was a crime against humanity. The ANC had to keep its cadres motivated, united and well looked after. The movement had to keep its leadership sharp on politics and often had to give political direction to the African leaders.

In the end, the respect that the world accorded the ANC and the liberation struggle owed its origins in the tireless work of Comrade Nzo and the rest of the ANC leadership. And yet he remained very humble to the end.

Comrade Nzo taught is in practice how to respect people of all ages. But above all, he taught us that the organisation and its tasks was far more important than any individual in the ranks and file of the Alliance.

This warm son of Africa was a natural social worker. He was a sharp politician and a brilliant political analyst. Simply one of the best in the ANC. He was vilified by his political opponents. He took all this in his stride.

Africa has lost a great leader and a statesman.

Hamba Kahle Comrade. You are our first ambassador for this Century to the world of the Ancestors where many of our leaders and relatives are already waiting a report.

MA Stofile
Premier and ANC Chairperson - Eastern Cape
14 January 2000