Radebe, MP Minister of Transport
30 August 2007
Mama Sisulu and members of the family present here today,
Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa,
Public Transport MEC, Ignatius Jacobs,
Gauteng Arts and Culture MEC, Barbara Creecy,
Executive Mayor, Duma Nkosi,
Councillors present here today,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen
In every struggle by a people, there are those who occupy various roles,
some very visible, some very subtle, while some may be obscured, but all
serving the common purpose of liberating the masses of the people. In Mama
Sisulu we celebrate a stalwart who made an indelible mark in the struggle for a
free and democratic South Africa.
I am very delighted to welcome you all at this auspicious occasion of naming
the R21/R24 to Albertina Sisulu Freeway, a living legend and stalwart of our
country's liberation struggle.
Sisulu belonged to the gallant generation of the African National Congress
(ANC) Youth League of 1944 that transformed the ANC into a radical and militant
organisation, producing leaders such as Anton Lembede, Mxolisi Majombozi,
William Nkomo, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and her own soul mate and late
husband, Walter Sisulu.
Together with other struggle icons such as Lilian Ngoyi, Ruth First,
Adelaide Tambo and many others, Mama Sisulu played a unique role as spouse to
Walter Sisulu, raising the family and giving him support during the most trying
of times. In her own right, Mama Sisulu demonstrated that women have an
important role to play in the transformation of our country.
We shall not have erred therefore, and in fact are honoured ourselves, to
bestow upon her the honour of naming the R21/R24 after her. You are a symbol, a
quest and an inspiration for our further development as a young South African
nation.
With well over 60 years of involvement in the struggle for our freedom, you
continue to be an inspiration to the older and younger generations alike in
South Africa.
The R21/R24 freeway links the city of Tshwane with the OR Tambo
International Airport, which is the largest and busiest airport in the African
continent. The naming of prominent places after our heroes and heroines gives
the present and future generations a better understanding and knowledge about
those who fought for their freedom.
Our intention today is to honour and acknowledge Mama Sisulu for her
contribution to the liberation of this country, the building of democracy and
the emancipation of women. How fitting it is that we do this as one of the
major highlights as we celebrate Women's Month.
Comrades and friends, the Gauteng province is an economic powerhouse, driven
by the sweat and hard work of its diverse citizenry. The success of the
province is built on the hopes, hearts and dreams of its entire people. The
R21/R24 is a major contributor to Gauteng's economic development. This freeway
is a conduit for thousands of people and millions of tonnes of cargo everyday.
It is thus an apt opportunity to celebrate our leaders and the various icons
whose footsteps signify the pathways that led to the impressive highways of
South Africa in the twenty first century.
Today as we build our nation, we ensure that we deliver on the promises of
national liberation, freedom and peace. Mama Sisulu became a living symbol not
only of the spirit of the great freedom movement but of the crucial role which
women play in it. She is honoured by her people as the 'Mother of the Nation'
in different respects from bravery, leadership and mentorship.
By naming the R21 in honour of Mama Sisulu we are presenting to the world an
icon of our history, an expression of our collective and profound respect in
the manner in which other countries honour their heroines. Mama Sisulu will
continue to guide and lead many women and men as our living legend and
mother.
We salute you Mama Sisulu - Qhawe lamaqhawe!
Let the prevailing memories of your name be instilled in this freeway - You
are a living legend of our times.
Viva Mama Sisulu viva!
I thank you
Issued by: Department of Transport
30 August 2007
Source: SAPA
