President Cyril Ramaphosa says in remembering Madiba, people must recognise that the struggle for gender equality must never be abandoned.
“We dare not relent in our efforts to build a non-sexist society, to end all forms of violence against women and to ensure equal opportunity for all,” President Ramaphosa said.
Speaking at the centenary celebrations in Mvezo in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said Madiba became a leading champion of gender equality.
“There is no place for racism, tribalism or ethnic chauvinism in the South Africa of Nelson Mandela. We are all called upon to stand up and speak out when the values for which Madiba lived and for which so many fought, are being denigrated by those who have no interest in progress.
“Madiba fought for the education of the girl child, for the economic empowerment of women and for true equality in all areas of life,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said Madiba as the founding President of a democratic state, he laid the foundation for the great progress made since 1994 in improving access to basic services such as water, electricity, housing, health care and education.
“He would be glad to see that we are still committed to his dream of assisting the elderly, people with disabilities and children with a basic monthly income in the form of social grants.
“Madiba would welcome the great progress we have made in massively expanding access to education for the black child,” President Ramaphosa said.
The year 2018 marks the centenary of the birth of Madiba. South Africa, including the continent and the international community at large, is celebrating and honouring the struggle stalwart.
Government, in partnership with various stakeholders, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, continues to host various celebrations to mark the centenary of this great icon of the liberation struggle.
The activities included the unveiling of a sanitary towel project, as well as a tree-planting ceremony.
The Mvezo celebrations were organised by the Royal House of Mandela (RHoM), in partnership with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.
They aim to bring together people from all walks of life, including current and former Heads of Government and State, traditional and faith-based leaders, surrounding communities, non-governmental organisations and members of civil society, to honour the legacy of Mandela. – SAnews.gov.za
