Residents of Maphoitsile village near Taung are expected to picket outside Maphoitsile Primary School on Tuesday over sexual assault allegations against the principal.
It is alleged that the principal sexually assaulted a Grade 6 learner by touching her inappropriately. According to South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) branch organiser, Luckyboy Tidikwe, the learner informed her grandmother that the principal fondled her breasts and private parts, but nothing has been done to address the matter.
“We understand that the principal allegedly touched the breasts and private parts of a learner and this did not happen once or twice, but more than three times. The learner informed her grandmother, who went to the school to confront the principal.
“However, it seems this matter was not reported to the North West Education department because nothing has happened to address it. Now, as SANCO and members of the community, we call for the removal of the principal,” Tidikwe said.
He further said they cannot allow their learners to be under “monsters” supervision and situation should be just normal. Tidikwe added that, the department should conduct thorough investigations to check how many learners were also sexually abused by the same “predator”.
Meanwhile, the North West Education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said he will respond later as he is still gathering facts around the matter.
Picture: Olerato Marungwane walking naked in the streets
By OBAKENG MAJE
A mother of a mentally handicapped girl from Matlapaneng village in Taung, said she was left depressed after seeing a naked video of her daughter doing rounds on social media.
Keitumetse Marungwane said people should be sensitive before they could violate other people’s rights and dehumanize them. Marungwane’s daughter, Olerato (20) was seen walking naked in the streets at night and some of the residents accused her of witchcraft.
“My daughter is mentally ill and I was so surprised to see her naked video on social media. On that day, Olerato left the house earlier wearing her clothes, but later on, we received a message that she was seen walking in the streets naked.
“Olerato was never the same since the passing of her father in 2017. She started to show some symptoms immediately after the funeral on Saturday. However, we did not take it very seriously thinking that she might have been affected by the death of her father,” she said.
Marungwane said the situation got worse when Olerato showed a relapse of concentration at school. She said her daughter was doing Grade 11 at the time, but they could not do anything to assist her to get to her former self.
“Now, our community members know that she is not well and those who filmed her should refrain from distributing that video. Actually, we urge them to delete it because what they did was against the law,” said Marungwane.
North West Health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane said the department has strategic plans to provide quality and accessible mental health care services to the community of the province.
He said plans to reach the strategic goal of the department depend on the accessibility, facilities available for mentally handicapped persons, hospital beds.
“The strategic plan of the department is to provide quality and accessible mental health care services to the community of the province. Plans to reach the strategic goal of the department depend on accessibility, facilities available for mentally handicapped persons.
“On discharge of the mental health user, the family or guardian is empowered on the condition of the user and how to deal or observe any mood changes. There are two Mental Health Review Board appointed according to the Mental Health Care Act to safeguard the human rights of the mentally handicapped persons in the health facilities, as well as in communities,” said Lekgethwane.
He said as mental health cut across in every sphere is the responsibility of every department to collaborate with department of health to provide quality mental health to the people of the North West.
“There is also an established inter-sectoral committee consisting of key departments in mental health. We have the departments of Health, Social Development, South African Police Services, Justice and Constitutional Development, Correctional Services, and Education,” he said.
Lekgethwane said their term of reference is to support primary health care through consultations, training, and advocacy. However, he said the current situation in the province is that, only clinical psychologists were appointed for the four districts and one for Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati resigned in December 2020 and the province is unable to attract scare skill due its rural state.
“Each sub-district has a mental health coordinator to provide technical support to primary health care. So, to prevent discriminations and empower the community about the mentally handicapped person the department implemented health talks and dialogues about mental health are conducted in schools, community and health facilities.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it will probe the allegations. SAHRC provincial spokesperson, Adv Oarabile Gaoraelwe said: “The SAHRC is mandated to protect, promote and monitor human rights in South Africa. We work with organisations involved in the protection and promotion of mental Healthcare users (and in particular persons with intellectual disabilities).
“Our institution is also empowered to investigate allegations of human rights violations including allegations of discrimination against persons with intellectual disabilities. So, we will initiate a probe into the allegations, review the available evidence and then make a decision into whether we must investigate the matter or refer it to a better suited statutory or constitutional body.”
Picture: Bodies of illegal miners stashed in grain bags discovered near mine
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The families of 20 illegal miners who were killed at Orkney mine last week, will identify their bodies today. On 14 and 15 June 2021, the police made a gruesome discovery after 20 decomposed bodies of 20 illegal miners were found and stashed in grain bags outside abandoned China African Precious Metals (CAPM) mine.
North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The first five decomposed bodies were found at approximately 7pm on 14 June 2021 outside an old and unused mine shaft ventilation in Lawrence Park, Orkney.
“On 15 June 2021, 14 more decomposed bodies were found along Ariston Road near the railway line in Orkney. While still processing the scene, the police received information that another body was discovered where the initial five bodies were found, thus bringing a total number to 20.”
He said all the deceased were suspected to be illegal miners commonly known as “zama zamas” operating in obsolete shafts in Orkney and Stilfontein. Furthermore, the deceased suffered severe body burns.
It was reported that some of the deceased had pieces of papers depicting contact details of their next-of-kin with them. Most of these illegal miners are from Lesotho.
Now, today, the North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro along with Lesotho Consul, Selimo Thabane, will join the Lesotho families in identifying bodies of the deceased. However, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) spokesperson, Brian Setswambung said Mokgoro will engage Thabane before meeting with the Lesotho families at 10am.
Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation(SANCO) chairperson in North West, Paul Sebegoe said: “We condemn in the strongest terms these ghastly and horrendous criminal acts. The slaughter fields must be shut down for illegal mining operations before more dead bodies are retrieved or are in some cases buried clandestinely underneath the belly of the earth.
“It is a travesty of justice that shocking atrocities of this nature are committed with impunity by the so-called zama-zamas while municipal authorities, the Department of Mineral Resources and law enforcement agencies are seemingly turning a blind eye to the nefarious activities that have shown no regard for the value of human lives.”
He calls for the establishment of an integrated specialised unit to tackle the economic crimes committed by ruthless syndicates that are taking advantage of desperate unemployed people from neighbouring countries.
“Mining houses should be held accountable for their failure to rehabilitate abandoned mines. They are indirectly responsible for illegal activities that are claiming the lives of desperate miners who are lured to death traps by ruthless crime syndicates,” he stressed.
“We urge police to investigate whether human trafficking is not involved in these atrocious activities. No stone should be left unturned and justice for victims must be served without compromise,” said Sebegoe.
We are now in the midst of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be tired of this persistent enemy, but it is not yet tired of us. The threat to health and lives is evident as people become ill and some die.
So, we must do what we can, as individuals, as families and communities, as unions and employers, and as government, to limit the toll.
When the virus surges to this extent, the economy also faces challenges. Workers have to isolate or quarantine, people stop going out for recreation or shopping, tourism comes to a standstill, and workplaces have to spend more money to prevent infections.
It is incorrect to speak about a trade-off between lives and livelihoods. Rather, we need to invest our time, effort and resources to control the pandemic to see a payoff, in terms of both falling case numbers, reduced deaths and economic recovery.
The climb in new cases has been extraordinarily rapid and steep over the past few weeks. The number of daily new cases jumped from below 800 in early April to over 13,000 in the past week. In other words, it increased more than fifteen-fold from the last low point.
By now, we all know what we have to do to bring the rate of infection down, and we must act with great discipline to protect our people and our livelihoods.
Once again, we have to avoid social gatherings of all kinds, whether for family, friends, business or recreation. We must work from home if we can. We must wear masks when other people are around and stay one and half metre from other people whenever possible. Although we find ourselves in the middle of winter, we need to ensure good ventilation when indoors or in public transport, for instance by opening windows.
As South Africans, we have experienced pandemics before, most notably HIV/AIDS. We have managed to reduce new HIV infections by more than half since 2010. Our people know that we can control contagions, but it requires all of us to act together over time.
It is not a task only for the vulnerable or the healthcare system. It requires every South African to do their part, to accept that we cannot go back to pre-pandemic days but must rather build a new normal that is safe for us all.
We can win this battle, but it will take persistence and discipline.
As always with COVID-19, there are huge differences between different parts of the country. Right now, Gauteng is by far the hardest hit. This week the number of new cases exceeded the peak in both previous waves, and it has not started to decline yet. As a result, hospitals are reaching capacity, and healthcare workers are exhausted.
Gauteng looks small on the map. But it is home to one in five South Africans and two-fifths of our economy. As an economic hub many people travel to and from this province. We need to turn this around urgently, or lives and livelihoods will be seriously under threat.
We plan to provide vaccinations for the vast majority of adults in South Africa by the end of the year. It is crucial that, when you become eligible, you get the jab as soon as possible. Our priority in this phase is to vaccinate all five million people over the age of 60. This week, we also plan to start vaccinating half a million educators and others in the sector since their work requires social contact and is vital for our children, our economy and our future.
All of us need to work to ensure a fast and smooth rollout of the vaccine campaign. If our family members, friends, neighbours or employees need help, we should support them in registering and getting to vaccine sites. We will only be able to effectively contain this disease when we succeed in rolling out vaccinations on a large scale.
Our country has experienced many hardships in the past. However, we overcame them by understanding the challenges we faced, developing appropriate strategies, and implementing them together. As we have done before, we need to work as one to prevent infections and reduce the effects of this virus on us.
Rebaone Seele (22) will be back in Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Seele was arrested a few months ago after being accused of raping a woman (35) at a popular joint, Longstreet Lifestyle Pub in Ext 7 in Taung.
It is alleged that the victim was with her boyfriend at the pub when she decided to go to the bathroom. North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said, while the woman was in the bathroom, Seele allegedly accosted and raped her.
“Indeed, the police are investigating a rape case that was reported. The incident allegedly took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, where a woman was raped. It is alleged that the complainant was with her boyfriend at the pub when she decided to go to the bathroom and she was allegedly raped,” Myburgh said.
She further said Seele was subsequently arrested and appeared at Taung Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said: “The suspect was granted a R2000 bail, but he has not paid it yet. The case was postponed to 21 June 2021 for further investigations.”
Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum chairperson, Tebogo Mokgejane said they are concerned about GBV cases taking place in Taung. He said despite the efforts by various formations in Taung, including Taung Men against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Forum to condemn and call to an abrupt halt of all barbaric acts of sexual violence, such cases continue unabated.
“Women will not be pushed to live in fear because some men have turned themselves into sex pests, preying on young and older women. The forum will not get tired of condemning these acts, assist victims and make the necessary follow-ups on all cases until justice are serviced to all victims.
“May it be known that the forum will treat all cases equally without fear or favor, no matter who is involved. The forum will continue to give the victim the necessary support like we normally do to all other victims known to us,” said Mokgejane.
The details surrounding the missing North West University’s Digital Media Marketer and socialite, Sam Junior Mbatha continue to be sketchy. This comes after the police discovered a burnt car belonging to Mbatha in the field at Ikageng Section in Klipgat on Thursday.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said the police also found a body of a man burnt beyond recognition in the boot of the car. Myburgh said the police were allegedly called to the scene of the crime at approximately 7am on Thursday and upon arrival, they found a sedan burnt to ashes.
“Currently, the police cannot precisely confirm what transpired and investigation into the matter continues. It is suspected that it could possibly be the owner of the vehicle, but the identity of the man cannot be confirmed as the body is burnt beyond recognition.
“The police have opened a case of murder and will conduct the DNA testing to assist in positively identifying the man. Anyone with information that can assist the police, are requested to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Thabo Sekgororoana on 082 520 1588,” she said.
Myburgh said alternatively, they can contact their local police station, or anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app on your smart phone.
Meanwhile, the Mbatha’s family spokesperson, Kgomotso Sepeng said: “On behalf of the Mbatha family, relatives, and close friends, we would like the public to note that Sam’s car was found burnt on Thursday morning.
“The police, family, and close friends have not declared the identity of the victim who was burnt in the car. The family has not issued any statement to the public prior to this one as they respect the laws and procedures of the investigation.”
Sepeng added that the family humbly requests everyone who is publishing speculations on any publishing platforms including social media, to take down such posts with immediate effect and refrain from publishing further speculations in order to allow the police to conduct its investigations.
Picture: North West MEC for COGHSTA, Mmoloki Cwaile
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Mmoloki Cwaile is under fire after being accused of misconduct after he allegedly approved an ‘irregular’ contract worth R1, 476,321.74.
This comes after the department appointed a private company, Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process on its behalf. Now, a ‘whistleblower’ within the department who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal said, the contract was irregular and he was ignored even though he tried to warn Cwaile about the imminent danger of approving it.
“There are upheavals and misappropriations taking place at this department. However, when we highlight that, we are regarded as disruptive and receive hostile treatment. The department appointed Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD to conduct recruitment process for 35 vacant and funded positions with the department.
“This was approved by Cwaile after raising concern regarding the snail pace at which the department is performing regarding the filling of those positions. The appointed company was expected to advertise vacant and funded positions, which include full-service handling, advertise vacant positions, response handling from screening to placement,” he said.
Our source added: “Even though the company is engaged in a transversal contract with the department, seeking approval for deviation from Provincial Treasury could be irregular because full services response handling screening and placement is not part of the contract.”
However, Cwaile refuted the allegations and described them as absurd. He also said even though Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was not appointed by him, he decided to bring the contract to a grinding halt.
“This is just a lame attempt from my detractors who want to discredit me because I have uncovered malfeasance at the department. I can tell you now, most employees at the department were hired on nepotism basis.
“In most cases, you will find that all employees at the department are related. The senior managers call their friends, colleagues, and relatives to fill the vacancies regardless of their knowledge, skill, and experience,” Cwaile said.
He further said Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD contract was not irregular because there was an allocation of budget and all the time, the company has been doing business with the department including the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) and national government. Cwaile added that the company had engaged in a transversal contract and it has been appointed by the National Treasury.
“All government departments in the province advertise their tenders through this company. All tenders advertised by departments in the province are written Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD at the bottom. So, there is no single department that advertises posts on its own because that job is done by this company.
“Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was appointed to advertise, but in terms of their contract, they can shortlist. However, after performing these duties, they will hand over that work to government departments to conduct interviews,” said Cwaile.
He said the reason why they wanted to delegate the recruitment process to Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD is because there is a scenario where some of employees who process vacant posts from the Human Resources Management, only serve themselves.
“Sometimes these employees withhold other requirements when advertising to the public to ensure that these posts favour them. But the important part about appointing Kone Solutions (PTY) LTD was that Directors and Head of Department (HOD) cannot go and sit in a panel of level 5, while there are assistant directors.
“Firstly, when you look at the Human Settlements Department has a shortage of staff. However, we will see all senior managers fighting to be in the panel of level 5, while they were supposed to be doing something fruitful with their time,” he said.
Cwaile said despite inheritance of some challenges from the former homeland of the Bophuthatswana government, most of the personnel who were supposed to process these vacant posts are unqualified and do not even have matric certificates,” he said.
Cwaile said his department has over 200 vacant posts with a budget of R600 million.
Reading from what comrade President Oliver Tambo had to say about the late Zambia President, Ntate Kenneth Kaunda, I am convinced that indeed, he was a true Pan Africanist, a committed patriot and a selfless leader of our continent.
On 16 December 1990, at the ANC rally that was held at Soccer City in Johannesburg, Ntate President Oliver Tambo said: “I came on Thursday, having spent a whole week with the world’s greatest man, Kenneth David Kaunda in Zambia. I ought to let you know that hidden somewhere in the chest of that man, lies a great lover of humanity.
“He also sent a team of six of his top men to accompany the flight he offered to bring us home. Three of them are present in this gathering. We are more than grateful to him.”
The former President, Thabo Mbeki in his tribute to Ntate Kenneth Kaunda, has eloquently posited that this astute leader of the mother continent housed and supported the ANC headquarters for 20 years in his country, Zambia under his presidency.
Indeed, ingrained in his heart was a love for the people of Africa as a whole, Ntate Kaunda was a leader whose brilliant mind was never on recess. It is vividly clear that this fallen hero and a patriot of note had unflinching love for the ANC and the liberation of our continent from the yoke of colonialism.
Let I befittingly borrow the words of the former President and astute Vietnamese communist leader, comrade Ho Chi Minh to describe Ntate Kenneth Kaunda.
“I have had only one aim in life; to struggle for the good of the country and the well-being of my people. It is for this reason that I have had to hide in the mountains and crouch in prison. Whatever the moment, whatever the place, I have had a single aim, the interest of the nation, the good of the people.
“About personal matters-all my life, I have served the fatherland, the revolution, and the people with all my heart and strength. If I should now depart from this world, I would have nothing to regret, except not being able to serve longer and more.”
Accordingly, his departure serves as an end of an era of the generation of African leaders who were prepared to die in defense of the mother continent and their natural resources. Indeed, Dr Kaunda dedicated his entire life to the service of humanity.
Therefore, in his honor, let us preserve the rich history of the ANC. Let us defend and advance its unity, renewal, and rebuilding program.Let us resuscitate Pan-Africanism and advance Africa’s agenda 2063, as well as strengthening African Union and its structures in pursuance of transformation and development of the continent.
This fallen Pan Africanist would definitely be welcomed by his generation, which formed Organization of African Unity OAU.
He will have to present a comprehensive report to comrade Julius Nyerere, Kwame Nkrumah, SekuToure, General Gamal Abdul Nasser, and many other departed heroes and heroines on the state of the continent and its Pan-Africanist agenda.
As an honest leader, he would give a true account of the state of African Union, which is the successor organization of OAU and how the current generation of African leaders have allowed Africa’s resources to be used to develop Western countries, while many of our fellow brothers and sisters in the continent are living in abject poverty, harrowing unemployment and inequality as well as underdevelopment.
I am quite certain that in his report, he would include the recent developments and anarchy that occurred at the Pan-Africanist Parliament.
Rest in peace Ntate Kenneth Kaunda, a leader par excellence and a Pan-Africanist of note.
Note: Orapeleng Vanilla Matshediso is a former Secretary-General and the President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) at North West University. He is also the former President of Golden Key International Honour Society at NWU and a member of the ANC at Dr Ruth Mompati Region in North West. He writes in his personal capacity as a social activist and his views do not necessarily represent Taung DailyNews or its associates.
Residents of Mokgareng village, near Taung are divided in who should lead them as the new ward councillor in the next Local Government elections on 27 October 2021. This comes after the ANC in ward 7, elected Mmoloki Mojaki as its candidate.
However, this sparked the debate after some residents accused Mojaki of being ill-disciplined and alleged that he lacks the veracity and empathy to lead. They also accused him of assaulting the village chief, Kgosi Victor Ntokwe back in 2019.
According to Ntokwe, Mojaki and some of community members were ‘rebellious’ and against developments in the area.
“I was shocked to hear that Mojaki is at the forefront of becoming our councillor. I call on ANC to elect leaders who have the ability to lead. All leaders of the party should be elected through the eye of a needle.
“Unfortunately, Mojaki does not have all these capabilities. He once assaulted me after they were against a multi-million project at Mokgareng High School. I was so dejected to be assaulted by one of our own. He is also self-centred and we do not need people like him,” said Ntokwe.
ANC spokesperson in ward 7, Vela Ntuli was reluctant to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Mojaki answered our call, but said: ‘Ok, realeboga’ before hanging up…..after realising that he was speaking to a journalist.
He also failed to respond to our text messages and his phone constantly rang unanswered.
ANC Deputy Secretary-General, Jessie Duarte said in a statement: “The preferred candidates still have to be vetted and screened by the Provincial List Committee and approved by the extended PEC and extended NEC.
So, the final decisions will be made by a community vote, after community meetings in all VDs where the majority of voters voted for the ANC. We need to respect people’s voice, so that we can honestly say that our candidates are the people’s choice.”
Duarte said the deadline for nomination of candidates by BGMs has been communicated by Electoral Committee, to be followed by community meetings and then the community vote.
The writer at www.blogs.myleader.in, Peter Drucker said a political leader should be a public servant who works for the betterment of society. Drucker further said leader is elected by the members of the society by casting votes.
“A political leader requires ‘statesmanship’ as opposed to just being a ‘politician’ – this means having the integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right, even if it means resigning a position in government or losing an election.” he said.
Higher Education Transformation Network Deputy Executive Director, Orapeleng Matshediso shared the same sentiments. Matshediso said, as the ANC starts with the elections of branch, regional and provincial leadership at conferences, members must elect selfless and rooted leaders who adhere to the ANC membership declaration and understand the aspirations and the plights of the masses.
“History bestows upon us members and leaders of the ANC to learn and use the leadership traits of the late Walter Sisulu, the ANC constitution, which is through the eye of a needle method.
“To nominate candidates for local government elections and other leadership positions at various level of the organisation, remember, the renewal, rebuilding and unity of the ANC cannot be postponed any longer,” said Matshediso.
He further said the society is becoming impatient with the ANC, therefore, they need to heed to its clarion call of being led by the renewed and united ANC.
Matshediso added that it is quite evident people like Sisulu has never acted in the manner that tarnished the image and integrity of the ANC, he was a disciplined leader and a member in good standing until his last breath.
Picture: Former Zambia president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda/EWN
By OBAKENG MAJE
Heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in after the death of the founding president of Zambia, Dr Kenneth Kaunda. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Kaunda (97) as an unwavering champion of South Africa’s own liberation.
Ramaphosa said in remembrance of Kaunda who succumbed to pneumonia in hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, on Thursday, South Africa has declared a period of mourning for 10 days with immediate effect.
“Flags will be flown at half-mast at all flag stations. We bow our heads in grief at the passing of a beloved and rightfully revered father of African independence and unity. We are united in our sadness with the Kaunda family and the government and people of the Republic of Zambia.
“We are united in our sadness with the people of our region and continent, to whom Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership was a source of inspiration and resilience. Kaunda dedicated his 97 long years to the liberation and service of the people of Zambia,” he said.
He said Kaunda devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around the region in their quest for independence and freedom. Ramaphosa further said Kaunda steadfast against the intimidation of the apartheid state and offered Lusaka as the headquarters of the African National Congress (ANC) in exile.
“Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth. He stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of our greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of our freedom.
“It was in honour of this remarkable contribution that the South African government bestowed on Kaunda the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in 2002. He was a pioneering champion of a decolonised, united and prosperous Africa. He represented his country and continent with distinction on global platforms,” said Ramaphosa.
He further said today, they recommit themselves to building the Africa of KK’s vision – an Africa of peace, justice, prosperity and innovation. Ramaphosa added that Kaunda was at their side to comfort them when they lost their leaders.
“We remember his moving tribute as we laid Madiba to rest in Qunu. Today, we place ourselves alongside Kenneth Kaunda’s family and the Zambian nation as they mourn this deep loss.
“As the South African nation, we will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe to President Kaunda. Nor will we ever forget that it was with the help of this extraordinary leader’s care and solidarity that our freedom and our democracy was won,” he said.
Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West also shared the same sentiments. SANCO provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said: “Kaunda was a revolutionary intellectual, a friend of the South African struggle for liberation and a freedom fighter who sacrificed the economic prosperity of his country when he gave refuge and supported the ANC in exile.
“He belonged to a cohort of visionary founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) that had valued the freedoms of all Africans and strove for the unity of its people. The people of South Africa will forever be indebted to Kaunda for the role he had played and for the invaluable lessons in servant leadership, humility and selfless service he had taught throughout his life.”
Sebegoe said Kaunda was a father, a role model and a friend. He said Kaunda was also a teacher and a repository of great wisdom and insight.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen said Zambia and Africa has lost one its most influential and respected leaders. Steenhuisen said Kaunda spent his long life in the dedicated service of his country, first as liberator and then as leader.
“He was the last of a generation that spearheaded the fight for a post-colonial Africa in the mid to late 20th century, showing principled solidarity with his Southern African neighbours in their own struggles.
“Later in life, his campaigning for HIV testing and treatment did much to counter the stigma of the virus and encourage people to know their status and seek treatment. Kaunda leaves behind a significant legacy and an important contribution to the freedom of Zambians. May he rest in peace, and may the people of Zambia find comfort in their time of grieving,” he said.
