Thirty years ago, Chris Hani, charismatic leader of the ANC, was shot by a white far-right assassin. Today, South Africa remembers this great figure with nostalgia at a time when the country is struggling with glaring inequality and corruption scandals.
"His popularity transcended generational fault lines and many saw him as Nelson Mandela's likely heir apparent," recalls Max du Preez (1), a veteran South African journalist who closely followed the slain leader's fortunes and woes. He was a particularly influential leader among the youth of the black townships and ghettos.