The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania has condemned the vandalism of founding president Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe’s gravesite, calling it a “shameful and cowardly” act. The party said the damage was not just criminal but a direct attack on Sobukwe’s name, legacy and contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle.

PAC Says Attack was Deliberate

In a strongly worded statement, the PAC said it believes the vandalism was a “deliberate and calculated attempt” to tarnish Sobukwe’s legacy. The party also claimed so-called “insurgence forces” were trying to create unrest and confusion around his name and memory.

A criminal case has now been opened. The PAC is pushing for urgent accountability and says those responsible must face consequences. The party described Sobukwe’s gravesite as a sacred symbol of resistance and warned that the incident cannot be allowed to pass without action.

Family Already Under Pressure

The latest outrage comes at a tense moment. According to the report, Sobukwe’s family had already been dealing with backlash after Graaff-Reinet was renamed Robert Sobukwe Town. The change was intended to honour the anti-apartheid leader, but it sparked fierce debate and public anger.

Tsepo Sobukwe shared that he appreciated that the renaming gave his grandfather’s legacy a chance to live on and helped more people learn about him. That comment lands in the middle of a growing national argument over memory, heritage and who gets recognised in post-apartheid South Africa.

Legacy Battle Deepens

The timing of the gravesite vandalism has raised fresh alarm. It happened as marches and public support for the renaming were reportedly gaining momentum, and as the debate around identity and decolonisation intensified.

The PAC says it will not back down. In its message to supporters, the party insisted Sobukwe’s name would not be silenced, his legacy would not be defaced and his vision would continue to guide the struggle for land, freedom and self-determination. For now, the focus shifts to the criminal case and whether authorities can identify who targeted one of the country’s most respected liberation figures.