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Robert Sobukwe: Memorial for PAC Leader

By VVAW

The death of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, founding member and President of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania was mourned the world over. His untimely death of cancer comes when attention is focused on the growing struggle of the people of South Africa against the system of Apartheid. Telegrams and condolences were received from governments and organizations worldwide.

In New York city, the Pan Africanist Congress held a memorial service for their President on the 12th of March at the United Nations Building. The service was addressed by a leading member of the PAC as well as representatives of United Nations delegations from the Organization of African Unity, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the Southwest Africa's Peoples Organization. Each spoke of the contributions made by Sobukwe and the fraternal ties between their common struggles.

Several organizations in the United States also were asked to speak. A member of VVAW quoted Sobukwe, saying "We turn our grief into strength," and stated that although we didn't know him, he was our friend because we fight against the same class of enemies. Explaining how that strength is build, he told of the "Fatigues for Freedom Fighters Campaign" saying, "We fought on the wrong side once; we'll never do that again." For VVAW this is the most fitting memorial for a great leader of the Azanian people.