Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on citizens to recommit themselves to the values of compassion, justice, and unity in honour of the late Ronnie Mamoepa.
‘Together, let us construct a future that affords everyone the chance to prosper, ensures no one falls behind, and upholds the principles of equality and dignity for all.
‘As President Oliver Tambo instructed, our task even in the conditions we find ourselves in today, remains that of bringing about the kind of society we visualised in the Freedom Charter,’ he said on Friday.
Deputy President Mashatile was delivering a keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus.
The late Mamoepa was an esteemed struggle hero, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communication and a dedicated public servant.
He passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.
His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that ti
me, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture honoured the struggle hero, whose work in government communication helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.
The Deputy President’s address centred around the 30 Years of Democracy and citizen-centered government communication.
‘I am of the view that Ronnie was an optimist, determined to realise the goal of a national democratic society that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united, and prosperous.’
He described him as a revolutionary intellectual due to his critical thinking. ‘Mamoepa was an intellectual who, like other revolutionary thinkers, recognised the necessity of investing in research, reading, and critical theory and discipline.’
The Deputy President remembered that following his release from Robben Island, Mamoepa returned to his residence in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, and resumed his political activities.
‘I must acknowledge that Ronnie Mamoepa, whose work ethic, and dedication to serv
ice remains unparalleled, also influenced some of the former student leaders of SASCO [South African Students Congress] who are currently members of my team in the Presidency.’
Together with Mamoepa, he said, they fought against the oppressor and equally stood against any form of discrimination.
‘Our resolve to resist colonialism and apartheid stemmed from our belief in the vision of a South Africa in which the people govern, the country’s wealth is restored to the people, and the land is shared among those who work it. Our vision was to establish a society free from human exploitation.’
Government of National Unity
The Deputy President said he believed the late government communicator would have backed the Government of National Unity (GNU).
He told the attendees that GNU parties have made a firm commitment to respect the Constitution and the rule of law, as well as to promote accountability, transparency, integrity, and good governance.
‘The GNU has resolved to dedicate the next five years to actions
that will advance three strategic priorities – to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living, and to build a capable, ethical, and developmental State.’
The Deputy President assured citizens that the GNU is working around the clock to build a better South Africa for everyone.
‘This means that we must work together to address all the challenges we face. We are at a time where we need to theorise and understand the context of the world we live in.’
The country’s second-in-command said as the seventh administration, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the goal is to create a society where every voice is acknowledged, and every citizen is empowered.
‘We are confident that the movement of Ronnie Mamoepa will reemerge! Long Live the Spirit of Ronnie Mamoepa long live,’ he added.
Source: South African Government News Agency