The playing out of politically-infused nuances and the expression of leadership preferences were almost deafened by male voices who paid tribute to a larger than life icon during a recent Nelson Mandela memorial lecture of the African National Congress Youth League (Ancyl) in Cuito Cuanavalle and Mary Mavanyisa branches at a venue in Polokwane.
Preferences for individuals in positions were expressed throughout the programme, among others favouring the return of former Ancyl Provincial Task Team member Donald Selamolela and former Ancyl provincial spokesperson Kgopelo Phasha to positions. Both were on the speakers’ list with ANC Cuito Cuanavalle Branch Chairperson Lawrence Mapoulo that evening as they paid tribute to the late political leader and statesman.
In his fiery address that dispelled the quiet of the early evening in a small but packed venue, Mapoulo said Mandela was from a forgotten village – like members of the audience – when agreeing to become a leader. Varying between English and Sepdi and singing Mandela’s praises, Mapoulo said the late Mandela never looked at benefits but instead at honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility and pure generosity. He displayed absence of vanity, lived an existence within easy reach and believed in spiritual life, Mapoulo added. He referred to Mandela as a symbol of the struggle for justice, equality and dignity.
Mandela was in touch with the people and the poor, he reiterated as he added that they shouldn’t use and abuse the movement but serve the people. “We must save this glorious movement.”
Mandela believed the people were the basis of the revolution and stood for a collective, he continued saying.
With reference to the ongoing land discussion, Mapoulo stressed the need for their people to get their land back and with it, their dignity.
Turning to events of the recent past he concluded saying they would never tolerate anyone who turned himself into a synagogue. They weren’t going to allow anyone in the organisation to turn himself into a temple, wouldn’t allow people to pray to a human being or pay for an appointment letter, he declared.
Selamolela gave a reflection of Mandela’s life, whom he said had meant many things to many people and added that they were there to celebrate the life of a man who had brought them to a point where they spoke of their land back in the hands of their people.
He simultaneously expressed delight at the branches of the youth league reclaiming their well-deserved space in the political spectrum of the country for the first time in ages, as they haven’t had youth league branch meetings discussing politics for some time.
Phasha who previously served as, among others, spokesperson of the youth league in the province, took to the podium to briefly address Mandela’s qualities as well as the meaning of his life to young people.
Turning to the new dawn he alternated between English and his vernacular by referring to the election of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa being seen as a decisive historic moment in the life of the organisation. He reiterated significant signs of good things to come and the need for supporting the leadership.
Story & photos: YOLANDE NEL
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a fiery address.
