Poverty was still the main scourge affecting poor people in South Africa, former president Nelson Mandela told a packed auditorium in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape, on Saturday.
”Our government continues in word and action, to commit itself to the eradication of poverty, and to the creation of a better life for all,” Mandela told the crowd.
Mandela, President Thabo Mbeki and more than a thousand people converged at the Good News Christian Church to unveil Steve Tshwete’s tombstone.
Tshwete died on April 26 last year, and was buried at his family home village of Peelton in the Eastern Cape on May 4, 2002. He was the minister of safety and security when he died. Nqakula replaced Tshwete.
Mandela said people should recognise that much more needed to be done, and the challenge to eradicate poverty still remained large and daunting.
During his speech, Mandela said that he has donated R100 000 toward the unveiling of Tshwete’s tombstone. Mandela collected the money from business, he said.
The former president said he has taken Tshwete’s son Mayihlome (21) to university and Mayihlome’s sister Yonda to school. He advised Mayihlome to take care of his sister and mother.
Mandela said Tshwete was a pillar of strength in building the nation, and was a true revolutionary. Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who together with Mbeki arrived late at the ceremony, paid tribute to Tshwete.
Tshwete fought for a non-sexist and democratic South Africa. He was harsh but compassionate, Tshabalala-Msimang said.
”I am not crying. If you see me shed tears, it is tears of joy that we all here remembering our fallen hero,” she said with tears rolling down her cheeks.
She said Tshwete played a good role in uniting people through sport, and was a pillar of strength for the African National Congress Women’s League. – Sapa
Mayihlome told the audience that people should not mourn his father’s death, but should celebrate his life.
”Let us not forget the fight that our fallen heroes had fought for,” he said.
Mayihlome announced that 5 800 copies of his book, a compilation of poems, would be distributed to schools throughout South Africa.
The book, launched during the unveiling ceremony, was titled: ”Road from now”.
Mbeki, who apologised to the crowd for coming late, said: ”I am not going to say much today because all that I had to say about Steve, I said it last year during his funeral.”
Mbeki and Tshabalala-Msimang arrived at the ceremony while Eastern Cape premier Makhenkesi Stofile was introducing guests to the crowd.
The guests included Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Justice Minister Penuell Maduna, Land Affairs Minister Thoko Didiza, and Safety and Security Charles Nqakula.
National Public Prosecutions director Bulelani Ngcuka, national police commissioner Jackie Selebi, former Eastern Cape premier Raymond Mhlaba, businessman Saki Macozoma and convicted fraudster Tony Yengeni attended the event. – Sapa