In a move that would continue to express how the province values its liberation heritage, Gauteng will honour its heroes who played a role in building the free and democratic South Africa of today.
Next to be honoured is the late liberation struggle activist, unionist and freedom fighter Mam’Bertha Nonkumbi Gxowa through a commemorative programme organised jointly by the Gauteng provincial government, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, and the Bertha Gxowa Foundation on Saturday, 29 November 2014.
Mam’Bertha passed away in Johannesburg on 19 November 2010, aged 76.
The day-long commemorative event will be held through a 3 phased programme led by Gauteng Premier David Makhura accompanied by Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Cllr Mondli Gungubele and Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC, Molebatsi Bopape.
“With Gauteng being home to many of the struggle stalwarts and where a lot of the key events of the struggle having occurred, the province is arguably the centre of the liberation struggle of South Africa. Events like Sharpeville massacre, Soweto uprising, Women’s march, CODESA talks and many others are some of the game changers towards the country achieving democracy”.
“With this in mind, it is therefore the province’s commitment to celebrate its heroes for their efforts and sacrifices in fighting for a free and democratic South Africa”, says MEC Molebatsi Bopape.
Mam’Bertha was renowned for her long and distinguished activism and political career that included being a vital part of the organisers of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings with the likes of Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph among others, she will be remembered under the theme “Living the Legacy of Bertha Gxowa – Forever, through continuous community upliftment’
The first phase of the program, from 7h00 in the morning, will entail the official declaration of Gxowa’s gravesite at Thomas Nkobi Cemetery as a heritage site, expected to be attended by her family, senior government officials and other constituencies. The Ke-Ditselana Cultural Village in Vosloorus will thereafter host the next phase from 10h00 that will include the unveiling of a statue of Mam’Bertha and remarks from the Bertha Gxowa Foundation, government, as well as other political and civic organisations. The commemorative event will then be wrapped up with a Memorial Lecture at the Germiston Banquet Hall from 18h00
“As we put together and build the story of our liberation heritage in Gauteng, we encourage individuals and the community at large to use every available opportunity to contribute to this historical information by availing their accounts and stories about the known and unknown heroes and events of the struggle and triumph over apartheid”, adds MEC Bopape as a call to action.
For media inquiries contact:
Nomazwe Ntlokwana
Tel011 355 2578
Cell: 083 507 8068
E-mail: nomazwen@gpg.gov.za
Contact:
Gugu Ndima
Tel: 011 355 2711
Cell: 076 783 1516
E-mail: Gugu.ndima@gauteng.gov.za
