The life of Archie Gumede, the late anti-apartheid activist, was celebrated at DUT recently, during which Dr Zweli Mkhize, ANC Treasurer-General strongly condemned acts of violence during public protests.

Dr Mkhize was speaking at DUT during the Archie Gumede Memorial Lecture in which he was the keynote speaker. The memorial lecture was hosted by the Archie Gumede Foundation in partnership with the Durban University of Technology.
Dr Mkhize raised his concerns about acts of violence during strikes during his keynote address. “Comrade Archie Gumede served the people selflessly. Although he believed in the voice of students and the people, he was against violence. He dedicated his life to liberate those he served and the country. Comrade Gumede would not be pleased with the way young leaders and other leaders choose to liberate the people. Violence is not the solution when raising issues regardless of what the issue is,” he said.

Gumede, a lawyer by training, played a key role in ANC campaigns against bantu education. He participated in the formation of an Education Action Committee to deal with problems at African Schools. In the aftermath of the Soweto Uprising, he became active in the Parents’ Committee established in the Durban area.
Further highlighting and describing Gumede’s leadership position within South African society, Dr Mkhize said it was essential for leaders to be disciplined and respectful. “Comrade Gumede was a gentle and humble leader and a humble father. Many of us as young leaders would go to his offices to seek support and raise financial issues and we will always be welcomed. He was a loyal and disciplined member of the ANC,” said Dr Mkhize.

Dr Mkhize also urged for all leaders, particularly ANC councillors to serve the people selflessly. “Councillors must not serve to enrich themselves. Their (Councillors) focus must not be shifted from serving people. It’s important for anyone who hold a leadership position to be disciplined and for them to respect the people they lead. Our youth need to be taught about peace. Our youth and leaders must know the difference between peace and violence. There is no need to use violence when expressing ourselves,” he said.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: ANC Treasurer-General Dr Zweli Mkhize with eThekwini Councillor, General Sam Kikine.