By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) president Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday laid a wreath on the grave of former ANC president Zaccheus Mahabane at the Seeisoville Cemetery in Kroonstad in the Free State.
Accompanying him were newly elected ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and second deputy secretary-general Maropene Ramakgopa, among others.
Mbalula, explained that the revolutionary pilgrimage forms part of the build-up activities towards the ANC’s 111th-anniversary celebrations that are expected to take place on Sunday 8 January 2023 in Mangaung.
He said that some officials won’t be able to attend all of the activities because of logistics.
“As is tradition, many activities will be conducted as part of the 111th anniversary. Activities include a revolutionary pilgrimage led by officials, that included a form of bricklaying and visits to various grave sites of former presidents of the ANC. It started at Kroonstad, Maokeng, at the gravesite of Rev. Mahabane, and then we will proceeded to Mangaung, [for] Ntate Maphikela, and will end at Thaba Nchu at Dr Moroka’s gravesite,” he said.
Ramaphosa paid tribute to the late Free State leader, telling the family that being an ANC leader was “not an easy task”.
“We often say we thank families of our leaders for allowing them the time and sacrifice to lead because leading the ANC is not easy, it’s not child’s play.
“It was much more difficult during their time. This time around, believe me, it is still not easy, it’s very difficult.”
He jokingly added that anyone who wanted to replace him as ANC leader was welcome to do so.
Ramaphosa thanked the family for holding on to the heritage of Mahabane and the ANC.
“They made huge sacrifices, and we may not live up to the full recognition of the sacrifices they made. We are pleased and proud that we are the only organisation on the continent with this rich heritage, a heritage that is also recognised by our people.”
A priest by profession, Mahabane was born on 15 August 1881, in Thaba Nchu, Free State.
He first trained as a teacher and later went to the Cape to train for the priesthood, according to the Presidency website.
He joined the ANC in 1916, four years after its formation in Bloemfontein. He was elected ANC leader for the then Cape province in 1919, and later elected as a national leader.
Mahabane played an important role in the history of the party. He is known as the only ANC president who has ever served the organisation during two separate terms – first from 1924 to 1927 and again from 1937 to 1940.
He lived and worked in Kroonstad until his death in September 1971, aged 90.