President Zuma presides over renaming of R24

The R24 is a major route in Johannesburg that runs passed Bedfordview and Edenvale and through suburbs such as Bruma and Kensington.

This route extension was launched in 2010 ahead of the Fifa Soccer World Cup by the Gauteng Department of Transport. It was part of government’s programme to continue honouring people who fought in the struggle for national liberation and the promotion of social cohesion. The renaming continued earlier this year through local suburbs.

The official renaming coincided with Albertina Sisulu’s birthday weekend. MaSisulu, who would have been 95 years old, died in June 2011.

“The official naming of the R24 after her is a fitting tribute to a woman who loved this country so much. It is a befitting birthday salute and dedication to this important leader of our people, particularly under the theme of enhancing social cohesion, connecting cities, towns and people. This important event takes place during Transport Month, in which we focus on promoting the country’s transport infrastructure and also in promoting road safety. The event is also part of promoting integrated cities, integrated urban development, with accessible public facilities and economic opportunities. These roads link three municipal areas in Gauteng, indicating our solid drive towards integration,” said President Zuma.

MaSisulu attended the inaugural conference of the ANC Youth League in 1944, the only woman present. She soon became a committed political activist.

She participated in the Defiance Campaign of the 1950’s.

MaSisulu, a nurse, was a committed member of the executive of the Federation of South African Women in 1954.

She participated in the women’s march to the Union Buildings in 1956 and was the first woman to be arrested under the General Laws Amendment Act of 1963. This act made it possible for the police to hold suspects for 90 days without charging them.

This happened when the police were looking for her husband, Walter Sisulu, who was in hiding.

MaSisulu was in solitary confinement for two months. During this time, in July 1963, her husband and other leaders were raided at Liliesfarm. This led to the Rivonia Trial.

She endured years of house arrest and her fight for democracy continued even when her husband was enduring a life imprisonment sentence on Robben Island.

She continued serving this country into the era of democracy, where she became a member of parliament.

“We remember her with pride and admiration, because she was a true embodiment of the type of South African citizen we should all be. The contribution and sacrifice that our veterans made to achieve freedom and democracy is beyond measure. We should continue to draw wisdom from the values and vision they espoused and the determination to make South Africa a better place to live in for the majority that was oppressed and excluded,” said President Zuma.

During his address, President Zuma referred to the recent gruesome murders of two young girls in Diepsloot.

“There are reports of other children being killed elsewhere, for example in Katlehong. In their memory, let us all commit ourselves to protect children, all of us, men and women, young and old, leaders and the community. Let us work with the police to prevent crime and also to bring the perpetrators to book. We congratulate the community of Diepsloot for working with the police which led to the arrest of the suspects in this case. Our children should be free to play outside their homes without the fear of marauding criminals,” said President Zuma.