Mbabane: South African opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have passed their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mario Masuku, the first President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO).
Masuku passed away early evening of Monday 11, January 2021 allegedly due to COVID-19 related illness. His death was confirmed by PUDEMO’s national Spokesperson Brian Sangweni on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
EFF posted their condolences on Twitter on Tuesday morning after learning about Masuku’s demise. “The EFF is deeply saddened by the passing of Comrade Mario Masuku, the first President of the People’s United Democratic Movement and a struggle stalwart committed to be liberation of the people of Eswatini,” reads the Tweet.
Masuku has a good relationship with the South African political party which was evident by the E1 million donation which was pumped in to Masuku’s foundation by the EFF in December 2019.
The donation was announced by EFF leader Julius Malema during the South African political party’s second National People’s Assembly (NPA), which was held at Narsec, Johannesburg in December 2019.
When addressing the assembly, Malema described Masuku as an elderly man who has been in and out of prison in Eswatini. “Mario Masuku is a Mandela (Nelson) of Eswatini,” said Malema.
On another note, local activists also mourned the passing of Masuku. One of those who shared their sentiments with this publication is Maxwell Dlamini who described Masuku as a loving father, and a mentor. Dlamini said he is honoured to have known him (Masuku) led with him in PUDEMO NEC, shared a cell, shackles and police van with him. He said Masuku gave them knowledge and wisdom, taught them that it was okay to fight against oppression and injustice.
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