A Revolutionary, An Educator – Loyal to the Movement, its People and Character till the Very End
By Andile Lungisa
“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine” Enersto Che Guevara”.
As we continue to traverse the discourse of the South Africa 7th Revolution, we are confronted by the sad realities of bidding farewell to revolutionaries.
Today we honour and bid farewell to comrade Litho Suka, whom we remember as a revolutionary whose dedication and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our hearts and the history of our struggle.
Comrade Suka, a stalwart member of our movement, became a unionist in the late 70s under the leadership of our esteemed comrade “Rhalawe” .
It was during those tumultuous times, amid the dark shadows of apartheid, that Suka’s unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice shone brightest.
As a member of the education crisis committee, Suka fearlessly stood on the frontlines of the fight against apartheid, advocating for equal access to education and tirelessly working to dismantle the system of oppression that sought to divide our people.
Following the unbanning of the ANC and other liberation movements, Comrade Suka was recruited into the underground structures of the South African Communist Party.
In the shadows, away from the prying eyes of the oppressors, Suka continued to be a beacon of hope and resistance, working clandestinely to organise and mobilise for the greater good of our people.
Suka continued to showcase his political zill through his involvement in the underground political classes in Zwide and Ndzondelelo High School.
This stood as a testament to his dedication to the cause of liberation.
As part of this clandestine network of political education, Suka helped cultivate a generation of young activists, imparting knowledge and wisdom that would fuel the flames of resistance against the oppressive apartheid regime.
Not content with limiting his contributions to the realm of education and activism alone, Comrade Suka also found avenues to further the struggle through sport.
Working with the likes of former UJ Vice-Chancellor, Comrade Ihron Rensburg, Suka strived tirelessly to harness the power of sports as a tool for social change and unity.
Together, they leveraged the universal language of sports to build solidarities, break down barriers, and advance the cause of justice.
Through his multifaceted engagements in education, activism, and sports, Comrade Suka embodied the spirit of unwavering commitment and service to his community and his country.
His legacy as a reservoir of political education, a fearless activist, and a unifier through sports will continue to inspire and guide us in our ongoing struggles for freedom and equality
In addition to his sterling contributions to education, activism, and sports, Comrade Suka stood as a beacon of solidarity and tireless advocacy within the realm of workers’ rights and the labour movement.
A dedicated unionist and working-class activist, Suka led by example, championing the cause of fair labour practices and social justice for all.
His leadership within the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) was defined by a steadfast commitment to improving the conditions of educators and advancing the quality of education for all South African children.
After the dawn of democracy in 1994, Comrade Suka’s service extended to the hallowed halls of parliament, where he was deployed to represent the interests of the people and champion the values of freedom and equality.
His tenure as a parliamentarian reflected his deep-seated commitment to transforming South Africa into a more just and equitable society for all its citizens.
Following his tenure in parliament, Comrade Suka’s dedication to public service led him to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Council, where he served with distinction as the chief whip.
Alongside Danny Jordaan, he formed part of an intervention team tasked with addressing the challenges facing the municipality and ensuring the effective delivery of services to the people.
Even in the face of adversity and the shifting tides of political fortune, Comrade Suka remained steadfast in his convictions and unwavering in his loyalty to the people.
As an ordinary councillor following the ANC’s loss, he chose to remain true to his principles, standing as a living embodiment of service above self and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the community.
Today, as we bid farewell to this remarkable comrade, we are reminded again by Che Guevara about the love he had for his people when he said: “The true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary lacking this quality.”
Let us carry forward his legacy of integrity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the cause of justice.
Comrade Suka’s life serves as a shining example of the transformative power of service and the enduring impact of a life lived in service to others.
Rest in peace , Comrade Suka. Your spirit will continue to inspire us in our ongoing quest for a more just and equitable society. Amandla!
Andile Lungisa is an ANC NEC Member.
