Chris Hani vs John Garang

Hani joined the South African Communist Party (SACP) while in exile. He became a key figure in the party's military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and rose to become SACP general secretary.

Hani was appointed Chief of Staff of MK, the armed wing of the ANC. He oversaw guerrilla operations against the apartheid state, including sabotage and military training camps in neighboring countries.

Hani was assassinated outside his home in Boksburg by Janusz Walus, a Polish immigrant with ties to the far right. His death sparked nationwide riots and nearly derailed South Africa's transition to democracy, prompting Nelson Mandela's famous plea for peace.

John Garang founded the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and its political wing, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), in response to the Sudanese government's imposition of Sharia law and abrogation of southern autonomy. Garang became the leader of the rebellion.

Garang articulated the SPLA/M's goal as a 'New Sudan'

Garang signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. The agreement granted southern Sudan autonomy and a referendum on independence. Garang became First Vice President of Sudan and President of Southern Sudan.

John Garang died in a helicopter crash on July 30, 2005, just three weeks after becoming First Vice President of Sudan. His death triggered riots in southern Sudan and raised fears of a return to war. He was succeeded by Salva Kiir as leader of the SPLM and Southern Sudan.