More than three decades after the assassination of Chris Hani, his name continues to occupy a unique place in South Africa’s political history. He was remembered not only as a commander of Umkhonto weSizwe and a leading figure in the liberation struggle, but as a man who was seen by many as principled, disciplined, humble and deeply committed to the ordinary South African. Hani spoke openly about inequality, poverty, corruption and the responsibility of those in power to serve the people — issues that remain painfully relevant today. And perhaps that is why, in the South Africa of 2026, there is renewed value in looking back at what became known as the Hani
Memorandum — his reflections on the direction of the liberation movement and the kind of society he believed South Africa should become. We are grappling with unemployment, poverty, inequality, a cost-of-living crisis, failing public services and growing frustration with political leadership. So the question is not simply what would Chris Hani have thought of South Africa today? It is whether some
of the principles and warnings contained in his political thinking still offer us a mirror for where we are — and perhaps a roadmap for where we should be going. Today, we speak to Lindiwe Hani, Chris Hani’s daughter, about the man behind the revolutionary icon, the values he instilled in his family, and what she believes his legacy means in a country still struggling with many of the socioeconomic challenges he fought against.