THE BCM PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTE TO FALLEN CADRE

Dozens of mourners converged in Pimville, Soweto, today to honor the legacy of Lefa Pela – a member of the Socialist Party of Azania (SOPA) and the Black Consciousness Movement United (BCM-U) – who died following a short illness.

He was described by several speakers as a person who foresaw South Africa’s neo colonial state.

Thami Hukwe – SOPA executive member, said Lefa had repeatedly dismissed the new political order as a sellout dispensation.

“True liberation tells us we need land and to be in charge of the economy and all our resources.”

Dr Hlulani Mabasa – President of the BCM-U – said he was a “gallant revolutionary fighter.”

He leaves at a time where over 70 percent of youths are unemployed. The inconpetence of this government is inexcusable.

“Where you are going – become a force that energises us. Black people are in crisis. Tell those you are with that we need the zeal to fight this neoliberalism.”

General Hlomani Mabasa – of the Azanian National Liberation Army (Azanla) described Lefa as a committed member of the Black Consciousness family.

He said the BCM was saddened by the fact that he died a few weeks before the 50th anniversary of June 16 riots.

“Lefa believed that theory and practice were intertwined,” he said.

The BCM through Azanla was a historical necessity.