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Tribute to Mcebisi Bata
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Premier's Office

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MEDIA RELEASE
 21 JANUARY 2000

PREMIERS TRIBUTE TO MCEBISI BATA

On January 8th I heard of the shocking news that Mce was in the ICU of St Dominic's Hospital. I visited him on January 10. He did not look 
good. He did not see me.

Today I received a message to say that the Bata family wanted me informed that Mce was succumbing. Hardly ten (10) minutes later I received 
the news of his departure from this world. I am still stunned.

We have lost a very honest comrade. As a young student Mce had distinguished himself of being an uncompromising patriot and combatant. He 
was fearless, energetic and resolute. His departure for exile came as no surprise to us. In fact, it came as a relief to those who knew 
then already the excesses of apartheid brutality and that of apartheid satellites.

Mce returned from exile a matured and empowered cadre. He did not hesitate but immediately plunged into battle. With Marion Spargs they 
were a formidable combination in the war to keep our people protected from disinformation and misinformation. When Marion Spargs left, Mce 
was able to sustain the momentum to the end. A revolutionary to the end. We shall sadly miss his eloquent ways of stating both simple and 
difficult truths. We shall miss his passion for good relationship with the media. A communication specialist par excellence.

As an activist, Mce grew up in the tradition, rank and file of the ANC and Democratic Movement. He was an able analyst, strategist and 
organiser. He respected and loved the people of South Africa. But Mce despised demagogy and personality cult. He had no appetite for 
erstwhile agents of apartheid and exploitation, who wanted to portray themselves as custodians of democratic values. He was sometimes 
brutal in dealing with such people (in the true spirit of the Moragoro Conference Document - Strategy and Tactics).

Mce had nothing but anger and hatred for ANC members who are corrupt, deceitful and opportunistic. This way he remained a good conscience 
to our Movement. He was faithful unto death and deserves a crown. He was, like all of us, no angel. May his errors be forgiven and interred 
with his bones.

Comrade O.R. Tambo needed Comrade Chris Hani to open the route for him. Comrade Alfred Nzo needed Comrade Mce to be his spokesperson. May 
their souls unite in the eternal peace. They will need time to analyse the South African challenges of the 21st Century. Mce will have to 
keep us informed.

Hamba kahle Mpinga!
 Hamba kahle Mkhonto!

We shall stop at nothing in completing the work of freedom for all our people, for which you and so many others sacrificed so much for so 
long.

To the Bata family and relatives: God saved Mcebisi to the dangers of apartheid and of exile. He protected him from the corruption and 
criminality of the era. Cherish these memories. Rejoice at having to see him amongst you until his last day on earth. You are returning to 
God what has always been his. Be proud that your return it still whole.

Your grief is ours too. Your loss we share. Cry, but do not be against God or creation.

May his soul Rest in Peace.
 M.A Stofile
 ANC Chairperson and Premier: Eastern Cape



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