Liberation stalwart and former general secretary of the South African Communist Party Joe Slovo is to receive a posthumous Freeman of the City Award, the City of Johannesburg said on Monday.
The award is an honorary title bestowed upon people who have contributed greatly to the welfare of the City of Johannesburg and in the struggle for freedom and democracy, spokesperson Nkele Ntingane said.
”Mr Slovo was a true son of the city who devoted his entire life and career to the liberation of our country, and played a key role in the first years of democracy. His life represents everything that is good about our new democracy and we are proud to bestow on him the city’s highest honour,” she said.
Slovo will be represented by his wife, Dr Helena Dolny, at a ceremony to be held at the Johannesburg council chambers on Thursday.
Previous recipients of the award are former president Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Dr Beyers Naude. — Sapa