10/04/2026
Chris Hani was one of South Africa’s most influential anti-apartheid activists.
Who he was
Full name: Martin Thembisile (Chris) Hani
Born: 28 June 1942
He was a leader of the African National Congress (ANC) and chief of staff of its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe
Also General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP)
His assassination – 10 April 1993
Chris Hani was assassinated on 10 April 1993, the same date you mentioned
He was shot outside his home in Boksburg
The killing shocked the nation and nearly pushed South Africa into widespread unrest
Why it mattered
His death became a turning point before South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994
Nelson Mandela addressed the nation, calling for calm
It actually accelerated negotiations to end apartheid
Legacy
Chris Hani is remembered as a hero of the struggle, especially among young activists
Many believe he could have become a major leader in democratic South Africa
