06 November 2020
Today marks another milestone in the South African history, as the nation pays their final tribute to the late Vuyisile Mini. Mini was a unionist, Umkhonto we Sizwe activist and a singer. He was the first commander of MK, to be executed in South Africa on the 6th of November 1964.
Vuyisile Mini was one of the first group of people to be recruited into uMkhonto we Sizwe and became a member of the Eastern Cape High Command. In 1956, Mini was one of 156 defendants in the famous Treason Trial. He was arrested and detained along with Govan Mbeki, Chief Albert Luthuli, Helen Joseph and many others under the State of Emergency declared under the Public Safety Act on 30 March 1960.
Mini was arrested again on 10 May 1963, together with two other prominent ANC members, Wilson Khayiyana and Zinakile Mkaba. They were charged with 17 counts of sabotage and other political crimes. In March 1964, the three were sentenced to death. This provoked an international outcry, and clemency appeals by President Nasser of the United Arab Republic on behalf of the Non-aligned States. The three were hanged in Pretoria Central Prison, on 6 November 1964. Mini went to the gallows singing freedom songs.
Vuyisile Mini’s remains were exhumed in Port Elizabeth, where he was laid at his final resting place in Mhlakane, Tsomo where he was born.
The Department will continue to work together with key stakeholders to honor, restore dignity and empower Military Veterans for Nation Building.
Ms Phumeza Dzuguda
Department Spokesperson
Cell: 076 510 7430
Email: phumeza.qaqa@dmv.gov.za
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