Shock and outrage have erupted after the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) revealed that the gravesite of its founding president, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, has been brutally vandalised. 

"PAC condemns in the strongest possible terms the shameful and cowardly act of vandalism committed against the gravesite of the founding President of the PAC, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe," the party said.

Raising the stakes, the party warned that this was no random act of destruction.

"The PAC views this act not merely as vandalism, but as a deliberate and calculated attempt to tarnish the name, legacy, and enduring contribution of Sobukwe."

The PAC pointed to "insurgence forces" allegedly working to provoke unrest and confusion.

A criminal case has now been opened, with the party demanding urgent accountability, insisting that the attack on what it considers a sacred symbol of resistance cannot go unpunished.

In a rallying cry to its supporters, it made its stance crystal clear: "The PAC remains resolute: the name of Sobukwe will not be silenced, his legacy will not be defaced, and his vision will continue to guide the struggle for land, freedom, and self-determination."

This latest incident did not happen in a vacuum, the party added.

In an exclusive interview with IOL, Sobukwe's family revealed they were already reeling from fierce backlash after the historic renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, a move meant to honour the liberation icon, ignited a national firestorm.

"I do appreciate that they at least gave my grandfather's legacy an opportunity to live on and for more people to know about him," Tsepo Sobukwe said.

The timing has raised alarm bells, coming just as marches and public support for the renaming gained momentum, and as debates over identity, heritage, and decolonisation reached a boiling point.

*This article was first published by IOL News