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
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Issued by: Office of the Premier