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Centenary torch touches Thabazimbi

By Joshua Motsomane

 

THABAZIMBI – After lighting up several places in the province, exposing internal squabbles in certain corners since the beginning of this month, the ANC’s centenary flame left the Limpopo province on Wednesday to the North West.

The torch was welcomed by hundreds of people upon its arrival at the Regorogile Multi-Purpose community hall. Revolutionary songs were heard all over the hall as well as loud sound by motor bikers’ crewmembers that were leading the convoy all over to welcome the much-awaited torch.

The torch’s last destination in Limpopo was Thabazimbi in the Waterberg district on Monday, 30 July 2012 before heading for the North West province.

In Thabazimbi, the torch reception was held in memories of fallen activists, Christopher Bramoss Motsuenyane and Rafael Bushy Khalunga. The Regional chairperson Cde Morris Mataboge led the torch to the two activist’s homes and explained the reason of bringing the torch to them.

After visiting their homes, the torch was then taken to their graves where they were buried years ago.

ANC provincial secretary Soviet Lekganyane said the torch, dubbed “the unifier” by leaders in the ANC, has toured all five districts in the province and that Waterberg and Thabazimbi in particular is the last destination of the torch in Limpopo.

“This month of July has been very important in our political calendar, not only because we are hosting centenary flame, but more especially because we have used this opportunity to reconnect with our forefathers who played a significant role in fighting for the rights of the oppressed masses of our country and Africa in general”, said Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale in his opening during the memorial lecture.

Mathale continued, “We visited places where we laid comrades to rest and reported to them that the movement is still alive and continuing to be liberation force representing the process of our people whilst at the same time leading the process of building a nation that is non-racial, non-sexiest and democratic.”  Premier Mathale further said that this centenary flame has reminded us of the pivotal role that was played by this province in fighting for the liberation of the people who were oppressed.

Premier further said that people must be provided with water, sanitation facilities and electricity. “We must proceed with work of building houses for our people and creating job opportunities for them. The process of building an inclusive economy cannot be postponed for our people who are tired of being subjected to the periphery of poverty and many other socio-economic difficulties,” he added.

The centenary was attended by among others Mayors PA Mosito and Tlhalifi Mashamaite of Mogalakwena, ANC Waterberg District REC, Thabazimbi Sub-Regional, councilors and community members at large.

 

Earlier on the day Mayor Mosito had to drive on a motorbike during the centenary celebrations.