By Bongani Tshabalala
BRANDFORD- Premier Ntombela together with Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa descended to the small town of Brandfort, where Mama Winnie Madikezela -Mandela was exiled to by the oppressive apartheid regime; but being a community builder, she became a pillar for the people of Majwemasweu in Masilonyana local municipality ahead Freedom Day April 27.
Freedom Day is the commemoration of the first democratic elections held in South Africa on April ,27,1994 when majority of South African voted before their dignity was restored, and country transformed to non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.
The house that Madikezela -Mandela who led the struggle, resided in, will be turned into a museum and, in addition, the statue of Mama Winnie will soon be erected. Adjacent to the museum a recreational facility is soon entering its second phase of construction.
Minister Mthethwa emphasised the importance of moving with great speed to complete these projects.
“The younger generation need to know about the great sacrifices that people like Winnie Mandela, who was taken to a town hundreds of kilometres away from her family, made to achieve the freedom we so enjoy today.
“When society journeys to the lives and times of struggle stalwarts like the late Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, it is only then that we begin to appreciate their contributions to progress made in the democratic society that all are equal before the law and are equal beneficiaries of the wealth of the country.” said Mthethwa.
The Premier was also joined by MEC for Sport, Limakatso Mahasa, MEC for Human Settlements, Public Works, and Infrastructure as well as Bishop Moratehi Sekete.
Free State has a profound history of birthing life in society. And at any given time in human development, particularly during times of distress and uncertainty, society must journey to its genesis and interrogate its foundation to obtain direction for the future.
The programme later moved to Verkeerdevlei for the opening of Tshepong sports facility, a multi-purpose sports centre which will keep young people active, away from mischief, and hopefully produce future sports stars. The sports facility is situated next to Motati Public Library, which will also help both the old and the young to gain knowledge.
