Ewa Walus, the daughter of Janusz Walus, is visiting South Africa in support of negotiations over the potential deportation of her father to Poland. Janusz Walus, a Polish immigrant who joined right-wing extremists, was involved in a plot to assassinate SACP leader Chris Hani in 1993.
After spending close to 30 years behind bars, he was released on parole in December 2022. Ewa Walus, despite enduring prejudice due to their connection, is advocating for her father’s return to Poland to live out the rest of his life.
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During an interview with ENCA host Annika Larsen, Ewa Walus revealed that there is a specific condition she is imposing on her father if he wants a relationship with her.
She stated, “He knows I have liberal political sympathies in Poland. If he decides to go into politics on the extreme right wing, our relationship will end.” This condition highlights Ewa’s strong opposition to right-wing extremism and her commitment to her own political beliefs.
Ewa Walus also shared the devastating effect her father’s crime had on their family. She acknowledged that people often associate her with her father’s views, despite her being completely opposite in her political beliefs.
She expressed gratitude towards Lindiwe Hani, daughter of Chris Hani, for acknowledging their shared loss and the beauty in that connection. Ewa Walus understands that her father’s crime has had an impact on her own image, but she still considers him her father.
Janusz Walus left his daughter and ex-wife in Poland when Ewa was only three years old. They last saw each other in 1992 when he visited Poland. Ewa described the emotional reunion with her father after more than three decades apart, stating, “Despite all the differences between us, the instinct to hug was from both sides.”
However, she also acknowledged that her father did not show remorse for murdering Chris Hani when she saw him. When asked if he is a racist, Ewa responded, “I’m afraid he is.”
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Despite these challenges, Ewa Walus remains hopeful that her father will adjust his stance when he returns to Poland. She believes that the need to foster a relationship with his family should take precedence over politics.
She also mentioned that Polish politics have changed, with only 7% of the population holding right-wing sentiments. As a single mother, Ewa worries about the effect this case will have on her 10-year-old daughter, who currently does not want to meet her grandfather. She is determined to protect her daughter while still hoping that her father will want to build a relationship with them.
Ewa Walus has been actively supporting her father, both in fundraising to pay legal bills and in negotiating for his return to Poland. Despite the nickname “The Ice Man” given to Janusz Walus in Poland, Ewa believes that he is capable of showing love and that communication is key in their relationship.
She acknowledges that they will never be able to have the same bond as a father and daughter who spent a lifetime together, as they only met as adults.
In his bid for parole, Janusz Walus filed papers to the Constitutional Court, pledging his remorse and acceptance of his wrongdoing. He stated, “I have great remorse in respect of what I have done. I realise today that it was completely unacceptable.”
He also expressed his rejection of racism, his acceptance of the new South Africa, its constitution, and its constitutional dispensation. Janusz Walus claims to have become completely rehabilitated and vows not to repeat any similar offence or crime in the future.
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