Our View: Sam Nzima was really given a hero’s farewell
The truth be told, the late veteran photojournalist Sam Masana Nzima was really given a hero's farewell by the state and more importantly, the province and the world at large.
Among the people who did good for Nzima while still alive is deputy president David Mabuza who, when he was still the premier in the province, initiated the provision of a double-storey house for him and also facilitated the construction of a museum and cultural village in honour and preservation of Nzima’s legacy.
There has been an outcry countrywide that local heroes are only given recognition when they pass away, but that did not happen with Nzima.
I cannot help not noticing some pundits on social media, who, instead of giving praise where it is deserved, chose to direct attacks at Mabuza for such a worthwhile gesture to Nzima – a legacy that will live on for decades if not centuries to come.
It beats me when they raise the fact that Mabuza is a public servant and want to know where he finds the funds to cater for Nzima. It is a known fact that he has the DD Mabuza Foundation, which for many years, has done incredible work for underprivileged communities in the province.
The museum and cultural village will come out of our very own taxpayers’ coffers. We should appreciate one thing as a community, that money will boost tourism in the province because international tourists and locals alike will converge on Lilydale to witness Nzima’s work and be exposed to Tsonga culture.
Jobs will be created in that rural area and youngsters will also be taught photography in keeping with Nzima’s wish.
Refrain from castigating Mabuza when he is doing right unto humanity. I think your attacks were misdirected. Await the right time to attack because that is what gives Mabuza’s detractors satisfaction, but not this time around.
Give the man a Bell’s!
• It’s unfortunate that a man was gunned down during an ANC Youth League regional general council recently in Badplaas. This calls for serious concern because the poor security was trying to avert a forceful entry into the venue by some members who were not supposed to be there. They are reported to be older men and not youths as required there. Such incidents should be avoided because now an innocent life has been lost.
The ANC needs to put its house in order because we are also looking forward to regional general councils to be held for the senior party members in all regions soon. We must not see a repeat of such anarchy. Let democracy prevail.
