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Sifuba was an unsung hero of the struggle

Jaki Seroke

Jaki Seroke

Gilbert Sifuba will certainly not feature in the conventional history books. His name will probably never have a familiar ring to it.

This is because Sifuba, who succumbed to complications of diabetes a week ago, is an unsung hero. He was nevertheless a man of the people.

He joined the Task Force in Langa township in 1960, and took part in the Poqo Insurrection as a section leader until he fled the country to join the PAC mission in exile in 1964. Many national liberation stalwarts - including Joe Mkhwanazi and Gersson Ndlovu, - held Sifuba in high regard.

When the chips were down, in the difficult conditions of far away lands, he could lift the spirits of PAC cadres and urge them on in the unrelenting fight for freedom. He could explain the party's basic documents in an easy-to-understand and undiluted isiXhosa. He returned from exile with his family in tow, through the UN repatriation programme.

He is survived by his wife Joyce and four children, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

His funeral service will be held at 7am tomorrow at the Redeemers Catholic Church in Emjindini Location.

The cortege leaves for the Barberton Cemetery at 9am.

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