The much-anticipated visit by former president Jacob Zuma to the graves in Vhembe of former Umkhonto We Sizwe cadres did not materialise. He was supposed to visit these graves last week, but seemingly backed off after a local outcry and the refusal of families of the deceased to allow the graves to be abused for political purposes.
A high-powered delegation from the regional leadership of the ANC, including its chairperson, Cde Tshitereke Matibe, the Malada family, and Makonde village's traditional leader, were deployed to protect the legacy of the former MK Commander Mbulaheni David Malada, known in the MK circles as Peter Dambuza.
Cde Rudzani Mbedzi, the chairperson of the Amos Mbedzi branch, which Malada belonged to, vowed that they would do everything in their midst to protect the legacy of the late MK leader's grave – even if they had to lay their lives down.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror on Friday afternoon (19 January) while waiting for Zuma and his entourage to show up, Cde Mbedzi said they had no problem with Zuma and his party campaigning anywhere in the country, but they would not be allowed to use Malada's name for political gain. "But if the Malada family agrees that they could visit the graveyard, we will support them and their decision. All political parties have the freedom of movement in this country. As a branch of the ANC, we are only following the decision of the family," he said.
Last week, the family said that Comrade Malada had been a member of the African National Congress until his last day on earth, adding, "Malada passed on being a loyal member of the ANC, so no other political party will be allowed to use his legacy for mischievous gain."