Descendants, friends and comrades of the late African National Congress (ANC) and South African Communist Party (SACP) stalwart, JB Marks, are paying homage to him as they prepare to lay his remains to rest in his home town of Ventersdorp in the North West.
They have all gathered at the family home for a valedictory service on Sunday morning.
Marks’ reburial ceremony, which will also be attended by President Jacob Zuma, is expected to take place at the Tshing Sports Grounds later.
Halima Marks, the granddaughter of the late ANC stalwart, says she is grateful that the remains of her grandfather will finally be laid to rest in the country he fought for.
“From the Marks family, we are grateful for what the government has done, we are extremely happy yet emotional,” says Halima.
Marks’ great granddaughter, Emlynne Duarte (13), says she feels proud to be related to the late Marks.
“We are happy his remains are brought back, because it is very sad for someone to die away from home,” says Duarte.
Marks passed away in 1972 in Moscow, Russia.
– By Neo Motloung
