Riyaz Patel
A literal giant of South Africa’s liberation struggle, ANC stalwart Professor Ben Turok, died Monday aged 92.
South Africans from all persuasions took to Twitter to pay glowing tribute to Turok’s remarkable contribution in ending apartheid and securing freedom for all South Africans.
“Ben Turok was a highly principled, patriotic and one of the best freedom fighters that our struggle ever produced.”
“Turok was known as one of South Africa’s foremost thinkers and an author of the Freedom Charter.”
“He was one of the lone voices in the ANC’s Parliamentary majority who spoke out against the Secrecy Bill in 2011.”
“South Africans should emulate what Ben Turok stood for.”
“A tireless and deeply principled activist, independent thinker and a great South African and mensch.”
“Turok will be remembered as steadfast, retaining his independence on matters of principle. He spoke truth to power.”
“The passing on of Cde. Ben Turok, is the passing of an era. Forever critical, but guided by humility and respect, he leaves behind a huge legacy.”
“A colossal figure in the liberation struggle of South Africa,who contributed immensely to critical debates in the ushering of freedom and up to this period his was a respected voice.”
“Ben Turok remained true to the goal of transforming our society, to our constitution and to fighting corruption until the end.”
“Ben Turok, one of the last of the ANC honourables takes his leave.”
“Thank you so much for your example, your inspiration, analyses and wise words Ben Turok. Your voice will continue to sound loud and clear, may the youth and all those of good will listen.”
“The underbelly of class oppression and racial oppression are intricately linked – you have to deal with both if you are serious about freedom.” Prof. Ben Turok
