RUSTENBURG-born politician, Amos Lekgotlha Mataboge was elected as a new regional chairperson for ANC Bojanala region recently. Mataboge who serves as Rustenburg Local Municipality Single Whip is adamant that the newly-elected Regional Executive Committee (RET) in Bojanala will bring peace, unity and stability.

A 65 year-old politician was born at Maile village, 30km outside Rustenburg. Mataboge said he was forced to relocate to the farm in Brits because of apartheid.

“My parents were working on a farm and I had to go and stay with them at the tender age. I started my Grade 1 while I was 13 years because we were poor. However, I did not give up and continued with the struggle. In 1963 my parents moved back to Maile village. However, I approached Maile Primary School and I was admitted.

“In 1970, I went to Mositle Secondary School to do Standard 6. I finished my matric at Raumane Sepeng Secondary School in Rustenburg back in 1973. I went to Johannesburg and I was introduced to politics by Sizwe Madikizela who was working for Radio Freedom. We suffered the consequences of being black during apartheid.

“However, the ANC support gained momentum from other countries. I came back home and started to be actively involved in politics before the dawn of democracy. I led the preparatory committee for the visit of ex-President Mandela at Mogwase and I was part of intervention structure in the riotous situation in Tweelaagte.

“We assisted to secure the release of our activists 1994 and led ANC delegation to the Mogwase Transitional Local Government negotiations 1994. I also led ANC delegation to the Rustenburg Transitional Local Government negotiations between 1993and 1994. I was elected as ANC Mogwase Branch Chairperson in 1993 until 1994.

“I also served as the Western Transvaal Regional Executive Committee Member between 1993 until 1994. I was elected as Rustenburg Sub-Regional Secretary in 1992 until 1993 and being deployed in Mankwe and Bafokeng areas 1993 to 1994,” he said.

Mataboge said: “I was deployed to handle the crisis areas like Phatsima, Boitekong and Ramokokastad. There was an infights between Azapo and the ANC.”

He was appointed as ANC Branch Executive Member in ward 20. Mataboge also served as ANC Moumo Branch chairperson from 2003 until 2004.

“I was deployed as ANC Bokone Bophirima Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member from 2006 until 2009. In 2014, I was elected as ANC Bojanala Regional Executive Committee member until 2016. I am now the REC chairperson for Bojanala region and we will adhere to the ANC policies and ensure that we fly its flag high.

“The ANC has fought for a political freedom and also committed to win an economic emancipation fight. The party is faced with an on-going struggle against racial privilege and oppression. However, we will win that struggle and we need to implement policies as guided by the Freedom Charter,” Mataboge said.

He said: “ANC symbolises the strong non-racial, non-sexist and united country. The ruling party is the only movement that fights for the power of the people. It is the only organisation that wants to see a victory over economic freedom and equality. Our fights represent the land, which sustained our people for centuries and from which they were removed by colonial and apartheid governments.”

He further said he support the land redistribution without compensation. A 65 year-old politician said people cannot do anything without land. Mataboge said the wealthy of the country need to be shared among all South Africans.  

“We have natural minerals that belong to the people. However, the wealthy of this country is used to benefit only a small racial minority. ANC need to ensure that it changes policies to ensure that the wealthy of the country is shared equally among the people. The party should implement the central demand of the Freedom Charter that the people shall govern. 

“The ANC in Bojanala is commitment to build and deepen popular democracy and the active involvement of the people in the struggle to improve their lives. We have already come up with strategic plans to address divisions within the region. We also want to urge those disgruntled members in the region to raise their matters within the ANC structure instead of going to court,” Mataboge said.

He added that it is their responsibility as ANC members to uphold the values and principles of the party. He further said humility and a selfless dedication to the struggle for a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society is imperative.

Mataboge previously deployed as a councillor and a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Planning and Human Settlement Department. – Newsnote