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It is with a deep sense of sadness that the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal learned about the passing on of one of its leaders, Cde Shakes Cele after a short illness.

Cde Cele was a true giant of our revolution, a true revolutionary, an embodiment of discipline and loyalty but most importantly he remained a principled member of the ANC.

He was an outstanding teacher to the young members of the movement and a true organizer of the ANC who never wanted glorification and reward.

His untimely passing is a sad loss to the people of KwaZulu-Natal, the entire movement and the alliance. We will remember him for his warmth and compassion for all members of the community he served.

Cde Cele understood the urgency of achieving the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution and never sought personal glory or any position. 

He was a selfless leader who comes from a rare coterie of cadres who led from the front during the difficult times of political violence in the Natal Midlands.

Having worked in the underground movement as part of United Democratic Movement, Cde Cele built the structures of the ANC and helped to guide members on how to conduct themselves in the movement.

Upon the unbanning of the liberation movement in 1990, he worked with Cde Harry Gwala, Cde Reggie Hadebe, Cde Truman Magubane and Mfenendala Xaba to ensure the movement had solid structures in the Natal Midlands.

His extensive knowledge of the ANC led to his election into the first Regional Executive Committee chaired by Harry Gwala in the 90s.  

There is no talking about the history of political struggle of the ANC in the Natal Midlands without mentioning Cde Cele who defended communities who were under constant attack by the IFP.

Like many cadres of the movement, Cde Cele was often a target of assassinations both by state police apparatus and IFP warlords. 

He survived assassination when their vehicle was ambushed between Ixopo and Richmond in 1992 where Cde Reggie Hadebe died. Cde Cele and Cde John Jeffereys survived with little injuries.

Cde Cele never got cold feet regardless of the killing of many comrades who were close to him including Cde Hadebe. 

He did not surrender to the apartheid regime that oppressed our people but chose the struggle to free our people.

He never sold the ANC principle even when it meant endangering the lives of his family members.

Cde Cele was part of the ANC leadership in Pietermaritzburg, now known as Moses Mabhida Region after the first democratic election in 1994. He was elected regional secretary and later as Chairperson of the region. 

The ANC deployed him to National Parliament. He was a Member of Parliament until 2019 general-elections.

We call on all members to draw strength and courage from the life Cde Cele. 

We further appeal members to learn from his dedication, faithfulness, selflessness, and loyalty to the ANC.

We express our deepest condolenced to the family, friends, and all members of the alliance. 

May his soul rest in peace! 
 

Issued by The ANC KZN