Deputy President to Unveil Memorial Bust of MK Hero Mbulelo Ngono in Lurhwayizo

Ngono’s remarkable stand, against overwhelming odds and state firepower, has since been enshrined as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the struggle against apartheid oppression.

 

In a deeply symbolic event for South Africa’s liberation legacy, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will unveil a memorial bust of fallen Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) combatant Mbulelo “Khaya Kasibe” “Ntsizwa” Ngono in Lurhwayizo village, Eastern Cape, on Thursday, 7 August 2025. The occasion forms a central part of government-led efforts to recognize and honour the sacrifices of liberation struggle veterans, and it coincides with the 38th anniversary of the iconic Battle of Lurhwayizo.

Remembering the Battle of Lurhwayizo: A Pivotal Moment in South African History

The village of Lurhwayizo, near Willowvale in the Eastern Cape, holds a special place in the story of South Africa’s path to democracy. On 21 and 22 January 1987, the Lurhwayizo Store became the epicentre of a fierce 36-hour armed confrontation—now known as the Battle of Lurhwayizo. During this battle, Umkhonto weSizwe combatant Mbulelo Ngono, fighting under the noms de guerre “Khaya Kasibe” and “Ntsizwa,” faced off against a coalition of the Transkei Defence Force, Transkei Police, South African Police Force, and state helicopters.

Ngono’s remarkable stand, against overwhelming odds and state firepower, has since been enshrined as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the struggle against apartheid oppression.

Commemorating a Fallen Hero: From Theatre to Memorial

Government efforts to honour the Battle of Lurhwayizo began earlier this year, with a powerful memorial event and a theatre production reenacting the events of January 1987. These initiatives sought not only to educate new generations about the price of freedom but also to provide healing and closure for the families and communities affected by the struggle.

Following these commemorations, authorities commissioned the creation of a bust to serve as a lasting tribute to Ngono’s heroism. The unveiling, to be led by Deputy President Mashatile, is seen as a solemn and significant milestone in South Africa’s journey of remembrance and reconciliation.

A National Tribute Led by Key Leaders

The memorial ceremony will see the Deputy President joined by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, and members of the provincial executive. This gathering of national and provincial leadership underscores the importance of the occasion, not only for the Eastern Cape but for the nation as a whole.

Mashatile’s responsibilities as Deputy President include the promotion of social cohesion, a task that involves honoring the memory and contributions of Traditional and Khoisan leaders, as well as military veterans like Ngono. “Although the remains of Mbulelo Ngono remain missing, we continue to honour him and many others for putting their lives on the line in defence of the freedoms we enjoy today,” Mashatile said in a statement ahead of the unveiling.

Honouring the Unfound: Memory and Healing

The fate of Mbulelo Ngono’s physical remains remains unknown, echoing the stories of many who disappeared or were killed during the struggle. Yet, as Mashatile emphasized, the spirit of Ngono’s resistance lives on in collective memory and the ongoing quest for justice, recognition, and healing. The new bust will stand as a focal point for annual commemorations and serve to educate future generations about the sacrifices underpinning South Africa’s democracy.

Continuing the Work of Social Cohesion

Beyond memorialisation, the Deputy President’s Eastern Cape visit is part of wider efforts to foster unity and national identity by acknowledging the often-unseen contributions of military veterans, traditional leaders, and ordinary citizens. The commemoration also provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of freedom, the unfinished business of national healing, and the collective responsibility to build an inclusive, just, and peaceful society.

A Living Legacy

As the country marks 38 years since the Battle of Lurhwayizo, the unveiling of the bust of Mbulelo Ngono is not just an act of remembrance but a call to action—to honour the past by continuing the work of building a South Africa rooted in dignity, equality, and solidarity.