The African National Congress in the Free State is mourning the death of Fezile Dabi Regional Secretary and the former Speaker of Metsimaholo Local Municipality Thabo Mabasa.
Mabasa died on Tuesday this week after short illness.
ANC Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoeneng said the party is extending its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, comrades and associates of Mabasa.
He described Mabasa as a true social activist, a revolutionary, and a fountain of political consciousness.
Motsoeneng said Mabasa rose through the ranks of the movement, and showed selflessness and determination in all the responsibilities given to him by the movement. His political activism was sharpened in the ANC Youth League, where he served in various positions of responsibility, including being the Regional Organizer in Fezile Dabi.
“In recognition of his commitment to the struggle, he was later elected as the Deputy Regional Secretary of the ANC in Fezile Dabi Region. Comrade Mabasa also served as a leader in local government. He served as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Local Economic Development (LED), and later Speaker for Metsimaholo Local Municipality.
“At the time of his passing, Comrade Mabasa was serving as the Regional Secretary of the ANC in Fezile Dabi Region. His unfortunate passing comes at the time when he and the leadership collective in that region were hard at work to renew, unite and rebuild the ANC in that region. His passing comes at the time when the ANC, the people of Fezile Dabi Region, and the revolution needs him the most.
“We dip our heads in sadness at the loss of this outstanding soldier of the struggle, an organizer; a social activist, on organic intellectual, an administrator and a family man. We call on all our volunteers, members and structures not to be overcome with despair, but to take over the baton left by Comrade Mabasa and pursue the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) to its logical conclusion,” concluded Motsoeneng.
ANC in the Fezile Dabi Region has also expressed its devastation by the untimely passing of its Secretary. ANC Regional Spokesperson Sello Pietersen said the ANC pays tribute to this extraordinary activist whose sacrifices and commitment to the liberation of the people remains a source of inspiration to many within the movement.
“Comrade Thabo has an unbroken history of struggle and service to the people of Fezile Dabi, to the family the ANC is with you in this hour of pain. The ANC leadership is in constant communication with the family and will advise in any further developments with regard to reminiscing on the life of Comrade Mabasa and a dignified bidding of farewell to this gallant fighter” said Pietersen.
