eMZINONI – Ms Refilwe Mtsweni, Premier of Mpumalanga, addressed thousands of locals who attended the Freedom Day celebration at the eMzinoni Stadium on Saturday, 27 April.
She praised those defiant spirits who where involved in the struggle against apartheid.
Ms Mtsweni said their roles can never be forgotten and that this generation must stand and defend the democracy.
She said the area has a very rich and painful history.
Ms Mtsweni referred to the well-known history of the 1950’s Bethal Farmer’s siege on their workers.
She said many farmers compelled their workers to dig up the potato harvest with their bare hands and those who could not keep up, were severely assaulted.
“Many innocent black people were killed either from the beatings or the cruel hard labour.
“The situation on the farms were so barbaric.
“We thank God for our late leaders such as Mr Gert Sibande, Ms Nokuthula Simelane and many others, who did not ignore the situation but mobilised enough resistance to organise the potato-boycott that would cripple the agricultural economy and earn international headlines.
“We cannot forget the role of the journalist, Ruth First, who led the exposé of murderous exploitation.”
Ms Mtsweni said it is up to this generation to stand and defend the hard earned democracy.
She pledged that the Mpumalanga ANC will continue to give undivided support and commitment to the people of South Africa.
She praised the ANC for delivering clean water, RDP houses, electricity and proper toilets.
“We will continue to work hard in order to transform this country.
“In dealing with some of the challenges faced by our people in the Govan Mbeki Muncipality, we have partnered with private companies.
“We have partnered with Sasol and they have committed to support us in changing the lives of our people.”
The event was attended by numerous leaders, MECs and executive mayors, who also gave messages of support.
The attendees were entertained by various artists such as Afrotraction, Buhlebuzile, Abatshawa, Umdzabu, Isichomane Sasephongongolo and Ikhethelo Lobuciko.
