Mpumalanga Cabinet Statement - Cabinet honours
January ‘Che' Masilela
4 September 2008
The Mpumalanga Cabinet observed a solemn moment of silence in honour of the
late Mr January Masilela before it started its regular meeting in Nelspruit
this morning.
January Masilela, commonly referred to as ‘Che O'Gara', died in a car
accident along the N4 in the Bronkhorstspruit area, and was buried at the
Heroes' Acre in Johannesburg last Sunday. He left South Africa in 1975 to
join the ranks of freedom fighters in exile. He joined the African National
Congress's ( ANC) military wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe and rose through the
ranks to serve as an outstanding leader in the ANC and its allied
structures. Upon his return after the unbanning of political parties he
became instrumental in the establishment of ANC structures in the then
Eastern Transvaal . He was appointed as the first Mpumalanga MEC for Local
Government following the 1994 election. At the time of his death, Masilela
was serving as the first black Secretary for Defence in the African Defence
Force (SANDF) since 1999.
Addressing cabinet earlier today, Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla
described Masilela's death as an untimely and very regrettable tragedy not
only to the country, but more severely to the political life of Mpumalanga .
“We have lost one of the best of the 1976 generation of activists who was an
icon in MK ranks. He made an immense contribution to the liberation of this
country and became a touchstone of MK”, said an emotional Makwetla.
The Provincial Cabinet accordingly resolved to investigate various options on how best to preserve his memory and promote his legacy. Options include, but are not limited to, naming some of the streets or buildings to immortalise his contribution to the struggle to bring about freedom and democracy. Cabinet wishes to join all other patriots in conveying its condolences to his wife, family, colleagues and friends.
Celebrating Heritage Month
The Mpumalanga Government has scaled up efforts to celebrate this year's heritage month with the unveiling of a king size statue of the late struggle hero, Gert Sibande, on 24 September in Bethal.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation has set aside an amount of R2,5 million to erect a statue resembling his image and a further R2,9 million on improving the surrounding infrastructural precincts.
In addition, the Mpumalanga Cabinet has noted with interest the recent
debates in the media following the commissioning of a theatrical play to be
led by the world acclaimed actor, Mbongeni Ngema.
The play is aimed at highlighting the impact of the potato boycott and the
contribution the late Gert Sibande made during the struggle to bring about
peace, democracy and development.
Cabinet strongly re-affirmed the correctness of the decision to profile and
celebrate the life of Gert Sibande and the commemoration of the 50 th
anniversary of the potato boycott.
This forms part of raising awareness about heroes and heroines whose
sacrifices and commitment to bring about a free South Africa , have been
marginalised and ignored by most of the existing historical accounts.
In this connection, cabinet fully endorsed the decision by the department to
commission a theatrical play based on the life of Gert Sibande and the 50 th
anniversary of the potato boycott. A booklet giving an account of this
chapter in the liberation struggle will also be published. These initiatives
are aimed at highlighting the content of our history as a South African
people and help preserve the memory of some of our people who shaped our
destiny.
The role played by the late Gert Sibande in exposing atrocities at the Bethal
farms remains an inspiration to the majority of South Africans who continue
to appreciate the value of freedom brought about through priceless
sacrifices.
For this purposes, the provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation
has projected an amount of R20 million for the theatrical play. This is
viewed as an important investment in unlocking the cultural industries as
part of efforts to diversify the economic profile of the province in sectors
with a potential to provide opportunities for income generation in labour
intensive industries.
Part of the investment will be directed at unearthing new talent in the
performing arts industry. The project is also expected to result in the
establishment of a training academy to sustain the growth of this industry.
Cabinet furthermore urges the community to celebrate the heritage month in
line with the national theme of taking pride in our cultural dances, in the
preservation and promotion of our history and heritage.
Mpumalanga fires contained
Strong winds that started early in September and have led to fifty six runaway
fires that affected some areas in the province. Three deaths and 26 injuries
were recorded following the fires that were experienced in the two
districts. Cabinet has expressed its condolences and sympathy to affected
families and wished those injured a speedy recuperation. The provincial
government has dispatched social workers to assess the impact of damage in
various communities and at this stage, all but one, fire has been contained
through the involvement of local municipalities working in collaboration
with “working for fire”.
Cabinet also registers its appreciation to the improved responses displayed by
all the teams and structures that were, and still are involved in the
mitigation of the negative effects of the runaway fires.
Safety and security
Cabinet has commended highly the role played by the community and SAPS special
task team in effecting the arrest of the alleged perpetrators involved in
the kidnapping and murder of Ms Lulu Thibela, a teacher at one of the only
New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) flagship e-school in the
province, Maripe Secondary School in Bushbuckridge.
Cabinet expressed its sympathy to family, colleagues and community.
In the same vein, cabinet also learnt with shock the report about the passing
on of a member of the provincial house of traditional leaders, Inkosi
Magubela Enoch Nkosi of the Enikwakuyenga Traditional Council. He will be
buried this Sunday, 7 September 2008 at 08h00 in Enikwakuyenga in Badplaas.
Enquiries:
Ntime Skhosana
Cell: 082 496 6875
Tel: +27 13 766 2055
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government