Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged South Africans to ensure that the sacrifices made by freedom fighters are not in vain as the country moves forward on a path of healing and protecting its democracy.
“We still need to get to the bottom of the truth of what unfolded with the Security Branch operatives that led to their disappearance,” the Deputy President said on Thursday.
This as he laid wreaths and unveiled the bust of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) combatant, Mbulelo ‘Khaya Kasibe Ntsizwa’ Ngono, in Lurhwayizo village in the Eastern Cape.
This year marks 38 years since the iconic Battle of Lurhwayizo, which took place over two days, from 21 to 22 January 1987.
During this battle, Ngono bravely and fiercely engaged a combined Transkei Defence Force, Transkei Police and South African Police Force with state helicopters over a 36-hour shoot-out.
In late December 1987 and early January 1988, four members of the MK, known as the “Ladybrand 4” were abducted from Lesotho.
They were held at a farm in Ladybrand and were reportedly returned to Lesotho, but they were never seen again.
“We must never forget the tragic story of Mbulelo Ngono, Nomasonto Annah Mashiya, Betty Boom, and Tax Sejanamane, who were abducted in Maseru by Ladybrand Security Branch operatives Antonie Jagga, Lesizi Michael Jantjie, Robert Shaw, and Laele Thulo,” the Deputy President said.
He further added that government was obligated to continue efforts until the Ngono family’s demand for the recovery, repatriation and reburial of the remains of their loved one is ultimately met, allowing them to find closure.
“We are pleased that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, through the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] Missing Persons Task Team, has been activated and that this is one of the cases they are currently investigating.”
The Deputy President said during that hostile period, the armed struggle became the only way of resistance against colonialism, to end racial oppression and exploitation of black people through white capitalism, and to bring justice, peace and freedom in South Africa.
He said the quest for peace resulted in the establishment of uMkhonto weSizwe, the ‘Spear of the Nation, “which issued a manifesto on 16 December 1961, proclaiming: “We shall not submit, and we have no choice but to retaliate by all means within our power in defence of our people, our future, and our freedom.”
“This declaration was to bear a heavy cost, where many young souls laid down their lives for the sake of peace and the inheritance of freedom.
He stated that many young people, like Ngono, also known as “Khaya Kasibe” or “KK,” were compelled to take up arms in the liberation struggle.
“Many more liberation fighters were robbed of their youth; for most, participation in the liberation movement resulted in a lack of formal education, missed opportunities for personal growth, and exposure to violence, trauma, hardship and even death.
“Despite the challenges, they remained steadfast in their resolve. They were brave, driven by a vision of a brighter, harmonious, and united South Africa, where all could share in equal opportunities.”
The Deputy President stated that those who fought in the Battle of Lurhwayizo played a crucial role in overcoming challenges and shaping the country ‘s political direction in preparation for a democratic future.
“We will forever remember their selflessness, courage, and commitment to fighting for the rights and freedoms of all in our nation.”
Regardless of the pain inflicted on the militant combatants, they remained resolute.
“We will, therefore, always be thankful to Mbulelo Ngono and Mazizi Attwell Maqekeza, along with a University of Lesotho student, Thandwefika Radebe, who bravely fought for the good cause until their last breath,” said the Deputy President. – SAnews.gov.za
