The Gauteng Provincial government has declared the promotion and preservation of the provincial heritage as one of its game-changers for the 5th administration. As part of its declaration, a statue of activist and struggle stalwart Bertha Gxowa, famously known as “Mam Bertha” was unveiled at Ke-Ditselane Cultural Village in Katlekong.
The event was part of women’s month celebration and jointly organised by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ekurhuleni Metro and the Bertha Gxowa Foundation.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura praised Mam Bertha as a woman who loved and worked for the country. “She worked for the country with her entire heart. She wanted a government that fights corruption. The government will be fighting corruption” he said.
He also mentioned that Mam Bertha liked a government that delivered proper service delivery to its people. “Mam bertha would be happy if we build proper houses, streets and roads to our people as that is what she wanted our government to do for its people” says Makhura .
“Women would beat the centre of the economy. Government will make sure that women play a critical economic role in our government as that would be one of the things that Mam Bertha would have liked to achieve during her time,” said Premier Makhura.
He concluded by acknowledging Mam Bertha as a loving mother who wouldn’t want to see her children suffer from substance abuse such as nyaope.” Government will be playing a key role to assist the children who are drug addicts, especially those who are using nyaope in our townships. Nyaope has become a big factor destroying the future of our children. Mam Bertha loved our children and would have done with all in her power to assist in fighting this problem. So we as government would in all our power assist in fighting this problem because that is what Mam bertha would have wanted”.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Mondli Gungubele, who graced the occasion, praised Mam Bertha as a true leader who was all about service. “Mam Bertha was all about service, a leader and a true legend. The freedom we are living in is the product of Mam Bertha”.
Gauteng MEC for sport, arts, culture and recreation Ms Molebatsi Bopape concluded the event by stating that Gauteng will be honouring more liberation icons as it has committed itself. “We will continue to honor our liberation struggle heroes and heroines. We have already identified David Bopape, Dr Fabian Riberio and his wife as the next liberation icons to be honoured, said MEC.
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