UCT honours the memory of Chris Hani

In recognition of Chris Hani’s contribution to South Africa’s democracy, the University of Cape Town (UCT) celebrated his life and legacy by renaming the New Science Lecture Theatre the Chris Hani Lecture Theatre.

The official renaming ceremony, held on 24 April 2018, was attended by the Hani family. Jeremy Cronin, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Deputy Secretary-General of the South African Communist Party (SACP), gave the keynote address.

UCT regards the naming of buildings as a historic moment. It is a change that will not just linger in the name boards on the side of buildings but marks a definitive break with South Africa’s painful past and symbolises an important milestone on our journey as a university.

When he was assassinated outside his Boksburg home 25 years ago, on 10 April 1993, Chris Hani was the General-Secretary of the SACP and a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC).

He was the leader of uMkhonto weSizwe (the ANC’s military wing), having shown outstanding dedication as its chief of staff during the struggle against apartheid.