Human Rights activist and struggle icon Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati was presented with a platinum coin handcrafted in her image in recognition of her extraordinary lifelong contribution to freedom and human rights in Africa, South Africa and the North West Province.
Mama Ruth Mompati as she is affectionately known received the special award from North West Premier Thandi Modise at the Premier’s Small Business Awards & Gala Dinner held on the last day of the four-day North West Province BRICS Expo and International Trade and Tourism Conference that ended on Saturday.
In presenting the one ounce platinum award manufactured by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) Platinum Incubator together with an oil painting of the stalwart, Premier Modise said that Mama Mompati has been a role model, mother and a mentor to many young women and men who joined the struggle for freedom like herself.
“Like JB Marks and Moses Kotane who were also from our resourceful province, we are forever indebted to you for the invaluable lessons you taught us on selflessness, respect for human rights, reconciliation and on loving our compatriots irrespective of the pain and the suffering we endured under apartheid,” said Modise.
“I am happy and moved by this recognition. Women are hardly recognised for what they do, but if a woman loses one inch of a step the world gets to know about it. If you are a man, u make one kick, they write two books, but for women you made one kick they write one book,” said an emotional Mompati battling to hold back tears of joy.
Mompati who is turning 89 this year expressed an appreciation that the majority of small businesses that received awards for excellence from the Premier are owned by women.
She called on parents to encourage their children to strive to be the best in whatever they do.
“We all have a patriotic duty to put a brick on the wall of the nation that we are building and to stand up to be counted. I will continue to do best that I can till the day I say goodbye to all of you, “she added.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157|
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
