Tributes poured in after the death of the Vhembe political activist and veteran African National Congress member Azwiifarwi Dickson Ralushai. He passed away on Friday, 5 March, at the MediClinic in Polokwane after a short illness.
Family spokesperson Mr Matodzi Ralushai described his father as an adviser and a unifier. He said that his death was a big loss to the family and community at large.
Cde Dick Ralushai (71) was born and raised in Tshififi village, just outside Thohoyandou. He became active in politics during his time at Mphaphuli Secondary School in the 70s, where he met the likes of President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. The two became life-long friends.
"Comrade Dick, as he was better known, fought against apartheid, Bantustanism and all their manifestations. He also participated in various structures in the movement, including the Northern Transvaal Action Committee (an affiliate of the United Democratic Front) and Umkhonto We Sizwe, which led to his being detained countless times," said Ralushai.
According to Matodzi Ralushai, the family members experienced resistance from within the community, as freedom fighters were called terrorists during that time, but that did not extinguish his father's fighting spirit and efforts to liberate the country.
The ANC structures in Limpopo also paid tribute to Cde Ralushai and said that after the 1994 democratic breakthrough, he continued to participate in various structures of the movement, contributing to the reconstruction and the transformation of the country.
Donald Selamolela, spokesperson for the ANC in Limpopo, described him in a statement as a highly disciplined cadre. Selamolela said he was the chairperson of the ANC Veteran's League in the Peter Mokaba Region at the time of his passing away.
He leaves behind his wife, Ms Shonisani Ralushai, four children, Hangwi, Mandela, Albertina and Azwifarwi, as well as seven grandchildren.
He will be buried on Saturday at the Mbaleni cemetery in Makwarela Extension, near Thohoyandou. Two memorial services, one in Polokwane and another in Thohoyandou, were planned for Thursday, 11 March.