Cape Town - Former Umkhonto we Sizwe cadre turned politician Basil Kivedo, who died aged 71 on Monday, has been remembered as a selfless veteran anti-apartheid fighter who served the people of Western Cape with dedication, even after he joined the DA.
Before democracy, Kivedo was jailed for underground activities as a member of Umkhonto we Sizwe and later a member of the MK War Veterans' Association.
Recalling Kivedo’s history in Umkhonto we Sizwe, ANC leader in the legislature Cameron Dugmore said: “We were sad when Kivedo left the ANC, but he continued, even though he was part of another political party, to serve the people and to work on the ground.”
Dugmore said the work Kivedo did in the Worcester area, the Boland and many other rural areas would not be forgotten by the people of the Western Cape.
Kivedo, a former lecturer, education planner and Breede Valley Municipality mayor, retired from politics after serving as a member of the Western Cape legislature until 2019.
Legislature Speaker Masizole Mnqasela said during his tenure as an MPL, Kivedo held several positions within different committees.
These included chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education, member of the Chairpersons’ Forum, alternate member of the Rules Committee, and member of the Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs and Sport.
Mnqasela said: “Kivedo was able to balance his love for his province and the advancement of its interests with the vision of a world in which conflict is reduced, and humanity is able to live in conditions of peace and tolerance.”
In his message of condolences to Kivedo’s family and colleagues, DA Provincial Leader Tertuis Simmers said: “Basil has a rich history in South African politics and most recently served as a member of legislature. He was a kind soul and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.”
mwangi.githahu@inl.co.za