The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed deep sadness over the death of South Africa’s ambassador to Algeria, Billy Masetlha.
Masetlha died on Sunday after a long illness. He was 68.
In a statement, the ANC paid homage to the anti-apartheid struggle veteran who served government in various capacities, including as the director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
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The struggle was Masetlha’s life
The ANC said Masetlha – who was a member of Umkhonto weSizwe and was previously exiled in Botswana and Zambia – joined the liberation struggle at a very young age at a time when “associating oneself with the ANC attracted death and torture for an individual and their family”.
“This dedication and choice to sit with the oppressed is reflected in his membership of the Soweto Student’s Representative Council in 1976 and subsequent role in the 1976 uprisings.
“Comrade Billy is a founding member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and also played a role in the formation of the Azanian Student’s Organisation (AZASO). Comrade Billy joined uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
“He skipped the country in 1979 and was exiled to Botswana and Zambia. While in exile he dedicated most of his efforts to youth and student struggles against the apartheid regime.”
The struggle was Masetlha’s life and the freedom South Africans are enjoying today is his legacy, the ANC added.
The governing party described Masetlha as a “true patriot”, “titan” and “principled revolutionary” who gave his entire life to the cause of humanity.
“He was always ready to execute any mission he was given by the ANC and always prepared to pay with his life as part of the price of advancing the cause of freedom.
“He did all these things with no expectation of personal gain, material advancement, fame or personal glory.”
‘Experienced and dependable’
Meanwhile, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor also paid tribute to Masetlha, saying South Africa lost an “experienced and dependable representative and a firm believer in the ideals and goals of Pan-Africanism”.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ambassador Masetlha,” said Pandor in a statement.
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