Taung- The ANC Youth League in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati has welcomed with elation the unveiling of the ANC’s fine struggle stalwart Mama Ruth Segomotsi Mompati’s statuette on Friday.

Regional Secretary of ANCYL in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Crespo Menyatso said the unveiling of Mama Ruta statuette is a great symbol of commitment by the ANC government led by Comrade Supra Mahumapelo, to better the lives of the poor in the region.

“Mama Ruth was very instrumental during her tenure as the Naledi Local Municipality in dismantling the remnants of apartheid especially in Vryburg, the capital city of the former Stellalander – where white dominance used to reign even after democratic dispensation’s arrival” Menyatso said.

He said the move to erect such sculpture by provincial government symbolizes Mama Ruth’ uniting factor that must lead to prosperity which the ANC Youth League duty bound to uphold in the region.

Even though the ANCYL was in good mood regarding the unveiling, they outlined that they were disappointed by the absence of the ANC’s regional leadership at that momentous occasion.

“This shows the flagrant contempt of our movement, its leaders and the provincial leadership’s commitment to create stability and unity in our region. However, this character displayed by the regional leadership is not surprising to the Youth League, as they have recently resolved to embark on a defiance stance against any programme of the ANC” he said.

Menyatso said the League draws its strength and determination from icons like Mama Ruth, who have served the struggle with diligence to bring about the freedom we enjoy today.   

“The League would further like to congratulate the students of the University of Cape Town for their militancy in making sure that the statute of Cecil John Rhodes is removed from the UCT’s entrance. Apartheid and colonial symbols especially at learning institutions must be removed in order to start teaching our children the correct history of our country. But the League would also like to point out that it is not only symbols that show lack of transformation in our learning institutions, the segregated systems among the University of Northwest campuses” he said.

According to the league, they condemn with the contempt it deserves, the publicity seeking anarchic opportunism of non-entities that use these genuine students’ protests as political football. It is the League’s strong conviction that legal and normal processes should be followed through by anybody and everybody to remove any symbol of apartheid that demean our people.

“We’d like to encourage Progressive Youth Alliance to participate in the process outlined by the minister of arts and culture Comrade Nathi Mthethwa, of public hearings around the issue statues in the country” Menyatso conludes.

-TDN

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