Ramaphosa to deliver the eulogy at Dean Farisani’s funeral

Farisani, a brave and courageous man, stood up against the oppressive regime of apartheid in South Africa. His unwavering determination and commitment to justice and equality led him to be jailed numerous times and eventually forced him to leave his beloved country. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering courage in the face of adversity.

Born in a small village in the Limpopo province, Farisani grew up witnessing the injustices and discrimination faced by black South Africans under the apartheid system. Despite the difficult circumstances, he excelled in his studies and went on to become a prominent lawyer, determined to use his knowledge and skills to fight against the injustices of apartheid.

Farisani’s activism began in his university days, where he joined the student movement and participated in protests against the apartheid government. He was a vocal and passionate speaker, using his words to inspire others to stand up against the oppressive regime. His activism did not go unnoticed, and he soon became a target of the apartheid government.

In 1976, Farisani was arrested and charged with treason for his involvement in the Soweto Uprising, a student-led protest against the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but this did not deter him from his fight for justice. In prison, Farisani continued to educate and inspire his fellow inmates, and his reputation as a fearless and dedicated activist grew.

After serving his sentence, Farisani was released in 1986, only to be arrested again a few months later for his involvement in the United Democratic Front (UDF), an anti-apartheid coalition of organizations. This time, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. However, even in the face of imprisonment, Farisani’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to fight against the injustices of apartheid and served as a beacon of hope for many.

Farisani’s third and final arrest came in 1990 when he was detained for his participation in the mass protests against the apartheid government’s State of Emergency. This time, he was released after just a few months, but the constant harassment and persecution by the authorities took a toll on his mental and physical well-being.

Realizing that his life was in danger, Farisani made the difficult decision to leave his country and seek refuge in the United States. It was a heart-wrenching choice, but he knew that he could continue to fight for justice and equality from abroad. He used his platform to raise awareness about the atrocities of apartheid and to garner support for the anti-apartheid movement.

Farisani’s exile lasted for almost a decade, during which he continued to be a vocal and prominent figure in the fight against apartheid. His efforts, along with those of countless others, eventually led to the end of apartheid and the birth of a new South Africa, free from the shackles of racial discrimination.

In 1994, when South Africa held its first democratic elections, Farisani returned to his homeland, finally able to witness the fruits of his labor. He continued to be an advocate for human rights and social justice, using his legal expertise to help those who had been marginalized and oppressed under the apartheid system.

Today, Farisani’s legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a hero and a symbol of resistance against injustice. His courage and determination continue to inspire future generations to stand up against oppression and fight for a better, more just world.

In conclusion, Farisani’s journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Despite facing numerous challenges and sacrifices, he never wavered in his fight against apartheid. His story serves as a reminder that one person’s actions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact in the world. Farisani’s bravery and selflessness will forever be remembered and celebrated in the history of South Africa.

popular today