The ANC paid tribute to former SA Communist Party leader Chris Hani on Wednesday, the 20th anniversary of his assassination, saying he would have played an important role in government had he survived.
"The ideals he lived for are the ideals that inspire us as we relentlessly pursue the struggle for economic emancipation, non-racialism and a better life for all South Africans," African National Congress spokesman Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
"We take this moment of remembrance as a moment to rededicate ourselves to the course of a greater commitment to complete the task of realising the fullness of our liberation."
Mthembu said if Hani were alive today, he would have praised the 13 South African soldiers who recently died in the Central African Republic (CAR) in clashes with rebels.
"Had he been alive today, Comrade Chis Hani would have praised our soldiers who gallantly gave their lives in CAR for a peaceful, better and prosperous African continent," said Mthembu.
Hani was assassinated by Polish right-winger, Janusz Walus, outside his house in Dawn Park, Boksburg twenty years ago.
President Jacob Zuma, Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande were scheduled to speak at the anniversary of Hani's death in Boksburg on Wednesday.
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