SEBOKENG – The African National Congress (ANC) in Sedibeng on Thursday, August 31, closed off its Women’s Month programme with the maiden Annual Lecture of Mme Elizabeth Matseliso Letanta, a struggle activist and one of the organisers of the 3 September 1984 Vaal Uprisings, a pivotal popular revolt which started in the then Vaal Triangle and later engulfed many black townships in the 1980s.
The lecture was led by the new provincial and regional ANC Women’s League leadership, in partnership with the Vaal Heritage Activists Foundation (VAHF).
Letanta, who was also an operative for the ANC’s armed wing, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), as part of the Vaal Civic Association, helped organise the Vaal Uprisings as part of the community’s refusal to pay the Lekoa Town Council’s proposed rental increase.
The defiance was contagious and soon areas such as Atteridgeville, Thokoza and New Brighton then joined, leading to the popular uprising spreading throughout the country.
The programme for the day began with a moving wreath-laying event at the Evaton Cemetery, where Elizabeth Letanta rests.
Jason Mkhwane, the ANC Regional Secretary, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly for the freedom of all South Africans.
“As the new generation, one of the commitments we have made is never to abandon history and forget the role of those who fought before us for the liberation,” said Mkhwane.
Joining the Letanta family, the ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including the and members of the VAHF, led by Tommy Maleka, and representatives from the Women’s League, including new ANCWL’s provincial chairperson, Faith Mazibuko.
Those in attendance took part in cleaning the gravesite and the surrounding area.
The day ended with the ANC’s First Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC, Nomvula Mokonyane delivering the first annual Elizabeth Letanta Lecture at the Eldorado Theatre in Zone 14, Sebokeng.
