The North West Provincial Government has taken a firm decision to priorities services to the vulnerable. North West Premier Thandi Modise told over seven thousand people gathered in Manthe outside Taung during the Provincial Women’s Day Celebrations on Friday.
“We have taken a decision that we are going to start building for the elderly, orphans, child headed families. We know we are going to be very unpopular because we are prioritising people with vulnerabilities,” said Premier Modise to a thunderous applause.
Modise said her administration would stop at nothing to ensure that the people of in the province are empowered and that their rights to quality life are respected. She also lashed at schools that have a tendency to expel students whose parents cannot afford to pay for their tuition.
“Schools have no rights to expel students just because they can’t pay school fees. We will make sure that no child is denied education because of financial difficulties at home,” warned Premier Modise.
The Premier cautioned that shebeens that are operating near schools and churches, saying that their licenses will be withdrawn. The premier also acknowledged the role played by women in several parts of the North West against the imposition of the pass laws.
“We are also inspired by the women of Zeerust, who in April 1957 carried out mass protest action against the imposition of the pass laws and the deposing of their traditional leader Abraham Moiloa by the apartheid regime, for having stood firmly against the imposition of pass laws on Bahurutshe, and women in particular.”
“I have been touched by what I have heard here today. It is especially gratifying to hear our premier speak so fervently about the rights of women. It is a great achievement for the current government considering what this country went through in the past,” said Maria Matlakala, 91 year old Maria Matlakala of Bucstein near Taung who was among those who attended the provincial celebrations.
Seventy-nine year old Baeti Motsamai of Mahikeng said the commemoration reminds her of the dark days of the struggle when she worked in Johannesburg. “I am very happy to see the rewards of one of the most audacious struggles. When Mandela was arrested, we used to donate R3 every month. The money was collected to help in the fight against the injustices of racial oppression. At the time we worshiped at St Lukes Church, Anglican with Arch Bishop Tutu and his wife Leah,” said the elated Motsamai.
Mpeile Mothibi, 75, said she is very happy that the women in the province play a critical role in leadership positions in government and business. “My mother was a Congress secretary and she would have been very happy to see what the democratic South Africa achieved.”
Premier Modise also decried the scourge of rape and other cases of gender-based violence that is currently ravaging much of the province.
This was echoed by Bishop Daniel Matebesi who called on all men to demonstrate their seriousness in the fight against rape by signing the pledge against rape and women abuse.
Premier Modise was accompanied by MEC of Social Development Colin Maine, the Mayor of Greater Taung Local Municipality, Councillor Kaone Lobelo, Kgosi Nyoko Motlhabane of Batlhaping Ba Ga Maidi among others.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Spokesperson
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
Email: LKgwele@gmail.com
