Tulani Ngwenya
University of Johannesburg, Soweto – In a poignant tribute to a stalwart of the anti-apartheid struggle, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the inaugural Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture at the University of Johannesburg in Soweto. Paying homage to his comrade, mentor, and friend, President Ramaphosa reflected on Barayi’s indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.
“It is an honour to be invited to speak about my comrade, mentor, and friend, Elijah Barayi,” President Ramaphosa began, setting the tone for a deeply personal and reverent address. “His life was a testament to bravery and to standing firm on principle even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.”
Elijah Barayi, a hero of the anti-apartheid struggle, dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy and equality in South Africa. President Ramaphosa recounted Barayi’s early activism, from joining the ANC Youth League as a teenager to his leadership in the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
“He was a hero and champion of mineworkers, the most oppressed and exploited class of workers throughout colonial and apartheid rule,” President Ramaphosa said. “Elijah Barayi, the son of a municipal worker and a domestic worker, was a hero of South Africa’s working class.”
Reflecting on the historic launch of COSATU in 1985, President Ramaphosa vividly recalled Barayi’s electrifying speech, which demanded an end to apartheid-era injustices. “It was, as one prominent international publication called it, a declaration of defiance,” President Ramaphosa remarked, highlighting Barayi’s instrumental role in galvanising the labour movement against oppression.
President Ramaphosa underscored the enduring legacy of Barayi’s activism, noting his impact on labour rights, social justice, and political transformation in South Africa. “As we look back on 30 years of democracy, we can see very clearly how the relationship between workers’ struggles and the fight for broader political and social change have shaped our country,” President Ramaphosa affirmed.
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
New Corruption Watch Report Reveals Deep-seated Concerns on Corruption in South Africa
Drawing parallels between Barayi’s vision and contemporary challenges, President Ramaphosa indicated the need for collective action to address inequality, unemployment, and social injustice. “We have a collective responsibility to build on the achievements of democracy and to work with greater vigour to overcome poverty, unemployment, and inequality,” President Ramaphosa declared.
In a stirring call to action, President Ramaphosa invoked Barayi’s legacy as a beacon of hope for a better South Africa. “As we confront challenges that may at times seem insurmountable, we are encouraged by his resolve,” President Ramaphosa concluded. “Let us honour the memory of giants like Elijah Barayi by renewing our commitment to building a better, stronger South Africa.”
The inaugural Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of activism and the ongoing struggle for justice in South Africa.
