Cllr Exec Moepadira of Emfuleni and Executive Mayor Hlongwane distribute provisions to ensure a good start to 2008 for ‘Survivors’

Mayoral Survivors Launch 01 January 2008

[03.01.08] Sedibeng District Municipality held its Annual Mayoral Lunch for ‘Survivors’ on 1 January 2008. The event has become a regular feature on the Sedibeng calendar since 2006. This year the event was held in conjunction with the local municipalities of Sedibeng.

In his opening address, Executive Mayor Mlungisi Hlongwane honoured community members who passed away recently by asking for a moment of silence. In particular he honoured Mme Hilda Masudube and Mme Manono. Mme Manono was the eldest member of the Sedibeng community and passed away at the age of 111. They were both acknowledged and honoured for their contribution during the struggle years.

Executive Mayor Hlongwane also honoured the victims and survivors of the many massacres that occurred in the region, in particular the Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960, Boipatong Massacre on 17 June 1992 and massacres that took place in Sebokeng and Evaton. He also honoured all those who played a role, contributed and made sacrifices during the liberation struggle in the region, and all those who played a role in the rest of the country.

He said, “When the survivors and I were in Cape Town (in 2007)it was touching when we met survivors from Elanga & Enyanga who actually went through exactly what we experienced in Sharpeville, Boipatong, Sebokeng and Evaton.

The purpose of these gatherings is not to live in the past, but we want the history to be remembered and the history to benefit the new generation. We as Sedibeng want the Sharpeville precinct and memorial to be busy like never before or more than ever, because of the programs we have for our learners. Sedibeng is proud to acknowledge that Robben Island and the Western Cape Tourism are now partnering with Sedibeng District Municipality and that they will engage in an exchange of programs so that it benefits tourism.”

Executive Mayor Mlungisi Hlogwane emphasized that the programs embarked upon will be to educate learners from various high schools about the history of Sedibeng region. It is aimed at grade 11 and 12 learners and will also aim to promote the Sharpeville monument.

Executive Mayor Hlongwane said he was proud that a monument will be opened in Boipatong this year to honour fallen heroes and survivors of the Boipatong Massacre in 1992.