/ 21 April 2008

ANC veteran Andrew Masondo dies

African National Congress (ANC) veteran Andrew Masondo died on Sunday, the ANC said on Monday.

”Masondo dedicated his life to the cause of the South African people, having served as a soldier since the early years of Umkhonto weSizwe.

”A dedicated freedom fighter, Masondo played a central role in the formation of the [South African National Defence Force] as an integrated force serving the democratic state,” the party said.

”The country owes much to his undying commitment to a free and democratic society at peace with itself and the world.”

According to Truth and Reconciliation Commission documents, Masondo was also associated with the Morris Seabelo Rehabilitation Centre in Angola, known also as Quatro, and was censured after reports of human rights abuses and inhumane treatment at the camp surfaced.

The camp was formed to deal with undisciplined ANC cadres and those suspected of involvement in passing intelligence to apartheid agents. — Sapa