Launch of MK pioneers’ brigade in Limpopo
The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA) in Limpopo is steering the formation of the MK Pioneers’ Jacob Zuma Brigade, which is expected to be launched next month. MKMVA Provincial Secretary Lulamile Jack pointed out that they had the national go-ahead for the May launch and a coinciding five-day campaign. After the launch the …
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The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA) in Limpopo is steering the formation of the MK Pioneers’ Jacob Zuma Brigade, which is expected to be launched next month.
MKMVA Provincial Secretary Lulamile Jack pointed out that they had the national go-ahead for the May launch and a coinciding five-day campaign. After the launch the structure would be introduced to other provinces as well, he added.
Jack explained that the brigade would aim to impart political education to children whose parents were members of MK during the apartheid struggle as well as the youth of the country whom they would want to teach about things like respect for others, healthy lifestyles and a drug-free society.
Key was the legacy the ex-fighters left behind, he stressed. He said that their role as messengers of political education was very critical.
The leadership of the future of the Limpopo structure would be determined by the provincial executive of MKMVA, he indicated.
Amid all the escalating criticism currently lodged against Zuma, Jack explained that they had chosen to name the structure after him as he was the only President to have taken care of former soldiers of the African National Congress’s (ANC) then military wing by establishing a department to look after their concerns and that of other formations, while none of his predecessors did anything for them. “Our kids have benefitted under Jacob Zuma, no matter what people are saying.”
He expressed the opinion that “If you remove Jacob Zuma you are removing all of us. We will fight for him to the end.”
He concluded saying that MKMVA members in Limpopo would be deployed to ANC national headquarters Luthuli House tomorrow (Friday) for an expected Democratic Alliance (DA) showdown in revolt against last week’s midnight Cabinet reshuffle.
Story & photo: YOLANDE NEL
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