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Premier's message on the passing away of Parks Mankahlana
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Premier's Office

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MEDIA RELEASE
 FOR IMMEDIATE USE
 26 OCTOBER 2000

PREMIER STOFILES MESSAGE ON THE PASSING AWAY OF PARKS MANKAHLANA

Parks Mankahlana was very young when he came to study at the University of Fort Hare. But he soon was thrown into the deep end of politics 
as campus was probably at one of her peaks of activism at the time. He soon became part of AZASCO leadership with great names like Simphiwe 
Mgoduso, Bheki Mlangeni, Matilde Gasela, KK Papiyana to name but a few.Invariably he too became a victim of expulsion for his role in the 
struggle.

Parks and his comrades soon got involved in setting up structures for uniting young people. These included religious, cultural and overtly 
political organisations. He soon became a national youth leader and played a great role in the unification of youth and student structures 
of the congress tradition when the ANC was unbanned. Together with the likes of Peter Mokaba, Jekkie Selebi, Rapu Molekane, Dipuo Peters 
and many others, he was a stabilizing, uniting and leading voice. Although soft spoken, Parks had a strong heart, a keen ear and a sharp 
analytical mind. It came as no surprise when he was appointed a spokesperson for both our presidents.

In his new job, Parks became a shrewd politician and served the office of the President well despite a hostile media environment. He could 
take criticism and turn it around. He was not ambitious or self uplifting. Parks was a gentleman until his last days. We will miss his 
smile and penetrating eyes.

To his family:Lalani ngenxeba mawethu.Akuhlanga lungehliyo.

To South Africa:We have lost a great patriot.The ANC has lost a dedicated and reliable cadre.

HAMBA KAHLE MFO WETHU.

Rev. MA Stofile
 Premier  Province of the Eastern Cape

Issued by:Communications Division  Office of the Premier
 Inquiries:Manelisi Wolela 082 414 7768

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