A memorial in remembrance of struggle stalwart JB Marks has been unveiled by President Jacob Zuma.
Marks’ remains were finally laid to rest in his hometown on Sunday. He died of a heart attack while in exile in Russia in 1972.
The proceedings at Marks’ burial site started with the South African National Defence Force handing over the South African flag, which draped the coffin, to his family.
The casket carrying the former African National Congress and South African National Communist leader was then lowered into the grave.
The family members then read the message written on the memorial and on the tombstone and the proceeding ended with a prayer and a vote of thanks.
Marks’ remains were repatriated from Moscow, Russia earlier this month, where he died in the country while in exile.
Earlier, a service was held for the struggle stalwart at the Tshing Sports Ground which was attended by the community, ministers and other dignitaries.
Zuma, Congress of the South Africa Trade Union General- Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, South African Communist Party Deputy Secretary- General, Solly Mapaila and Provincial Premier, Supra Mahumapelo addressed the mourners.
During his speech, Zuma said the return of Marks’ remains ends a painful era and a beginning of a new era for the celebration of his life.
He said: “Marks stood for anti-racism, national unity and freedom. He was an anti-racism leader, he hated racism.”
Family spokesperson, Roswyn Marks thanked the government for making the repatriation and reburial possible and described how sad it was for the family to lose Marks.
– By Lebo Tshangela
