THE African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape mourns the passing of a veteran, leader and hero of the liberation struggle, Mogolodi “Corra” Dikgacwi (pictured top).
Dikgacwi was born and bred in Oudtshoorn. He was amongst the generation that led the struggle in the town of Oudtshoorn and the broader Southern Cape region, rising up against the unjust system of Apartheid.
Together with the likes of the late Reggie Oliphant, Mbulelo Grootboom and many other leaders of the region, he braved the onslaught of the notorious Security Branch Police by ensuring that they mobilise the communities in the small towns into areas of residence.
He also participated in opposing forced removal of people in Lawaaikamp in George during the period of 1985/86.
Dikgacwi was detained without trial under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act in 1985. He was influential in the formation of the underground structures in the Western Cape. He was also amongst the leaders that would form UDF structures in the Southern Cape Region.
Furthermore he was part of the generation that formed SAAMSTAAN (a progressive newspaper in the area of Oudtshoorn) that made the Security Branch clamp down on its operations. The newspaper was a voice of resistance and played a critical role in galvanising communities and reinforcing the liberation movement.
He later rose within the ranks of the ANC and became a member of Parliament during President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure. He was a member of the Portfolio Committee on Sports and Recreation in the National Assembly and served as a Whip.
Upon his retirement from Parliament, he retreated to Ashton in the Boland area where he stayed with his family and remained a community activist and a veteran whose counsel continued to make a positive impact within the movement.
Veteran, leader and hero passes
