Deputy Chairperson and Minister, South Africa's struggle heroes and heroines, celebrated and unsung, characteristically possessed immense personal conviction, courage, and moral certitude. Fortified by such inner strengths, they made sacrifices regardless of the enormous cost to themselves and their families.
We hold these heroes and heroines in very high esteem, because they were unwavering in their commitment and stuck to their principles. They struggled and sacrificed to help us achieve the freedom we are enjoying today. We are all totally indebted to them.
In 1906, at the turn of the last century, Pixley ka Seme prophesied the regeneration of Africa and the birth of a new and unique civilisation. He foresaw the coming of a civilisation that would essentially be thoroughly spiritual and humanistic. He believed that this regeneration, when it occurred, would be moral and eternal.
Other leaders were also envisioning the dawn of a great and wonderful time with the demise of the apartheid regime. In 1961, the iconic Albert Luthuli, in a flight of poetic fancy, insisted that:
This is Africa's age - the dawn of her fulfilment, yes, the moment when she must grapple with destiny to reach the summits of sublimity ...
The heroes and heroines of the past fought against a brutal and oppressive regime, but in spite of all the vicissitudes of their lives, they kept their humanity intact. All of them saw the need to transcend race-based considerations to create a thriving South Africa for all.
The distinguished Robert Sobukwe, for example, shone a clear torch for all of us who may still be confused about who an African is. He said, in his forthright manner:
I have always made clear that by African I mean those, of any colour, who accept Africa as their home. Colour does not mean anything to me.
Fifty years later, in 1966, Bram Fischer urged fellow South Africans:
Only contact between the races can eliminate suspicion and fear; only contact and co-operation can breed tolerance and understanding.
In 1964, Nelson Mandela, in a similar strain, uttered words that will remain etched in our memories forever. He said:
I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised. But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
Today, as we celebrate the role of these inspiring luminaries in our struggle history, we need to come ... [Interjections.]