Dear comrades, Two days ago on the 27th July 2012, I and others on invite attended the 85th birth day celebration for Mme Veronica Zodwa Sobukwe.
First, I wish to thank the Robert Sobukwe Trust (RMS) for the invite. I also want to commend Jaki Seroke for his illustrious leadership. He and others who serve on the Trust thought of and planned the function. I marvelled at his (Jaki)humility and I certainly was left quite emotional by the event and Jaki 's posture throughout the evening. Despite having been the lead person in the organising collective he did not take any centre stage. He allowed others to, on the day. Interestingly it is this humility and security of assurance in him that got him added respect on the day from everybody in attendance. The event was a momentous success. In attendance were the who s who's of the PAC. Ngila Muendane the former Robben Islander and PAC SG was the programme director. The former PAC Deputy President and now Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke was in attendance sitting by Mme Sobukwe throughout the function. Former PAC Presidents Clarence Makwethu, Stanley Mogoba and Dr Motsoko Pheko were also in attendance. That young man at 18 years of age, Ata Kgosana, who led the Langa masses, as well as the ever vibrant Ike Mafole were there. Many other PAC stalwarts such as Pitika Ntuli, Don Mattera were there. Steve Biko s son who is the Ceo of the Steve Biko foundation was there and he pledged R50 000 to the RST. Of course Mrs Zanele Mbeki, wife of Thabo Mbeki was also with us, in honour of Mme Veronica and her husband who was her teacher, a teacher she reveres to the end. Judge Mokgoro gave a moving testimony of how Prof when he got banned to Kimberly fired up the place and how he had that godly presence. One of the most important messages common amongst all speakers was how Sobukwe and that young team in 1959 and beyond adopted a no collaboration stance, how they rejected prestige and disdained in every form reasonable and broadmindedness characters against injustice. He, Mme Veronica and the team were cadres of principle. They had iron courage and determination. This challenge is on us, and the above should be the barometer used to assess our leaders and those who claim to be. Again well done to comrade Jaki and the team. Not many people are able to bring such illustrious personalities under one roof as you did, and even most important to let us celebrate the life of Mme Veronica and the contribution made by her and her husband, our leader. And all these veterans spoke in person to me and a few others on the side who were present, the young ones so to speak (us), and asked us to guard the party from unprincipled characters and to keep fighting until the party is victorious. I know too well that these veterans have committed their own mistakes here and there, but foresure they made huge contributions. It is now our turn to take this further and win the battle. This is my tribute, over and above my attendance of the function, to Mme Veronica. May you stay blessed !! Afrika is ours and ours alone !! Matome Mashao Sent from my BlackBerry® -- Sending your posting to [email protected] Unsubscribe by sending an email to [email protected] You can also visit http://groups.google.com/group/payco Visit our website at www.mayihlome.wordpress.com
