By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana’s Special Official Memorial Service took place today at Jakes Gerwel Hall, at the University of the Western Cape.
Mdladlana, who has been described as a humble and remarkable leader, passed away last week Friday at the age of 72.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the eulogy at the official memorial service of the late Mdladlana.
Mdladlana’s funeral private ceremony for his cremation was held on Wednesday, while the ANC in the Western Cape held a memorial service to honour him.
Mashatile has described Mdladlana as a wise politician who fought for changes in the education sector as well as freedom in South Africa.
He maintained that Mdladlana was one of the stalwarts who were servant leaders and one who was committed to liberating the country from the apartheid regime.
“They belonged to an illustrious generation of revolutionaries and servant leaders whose contribution to the liberation and development of South Africa remains immeasurable. These stalwarts set themselves on a course to liberate South Africa from tyranny. What brings us solace and profound delight is that unlike many of their comrades, they have tasted the sweetness of freedom in their days,” he said.
Close friend, former Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour also spoke fondly of his relationship with the late freedom fighter saying it was sad that he had lost his friend.
Mdladlana’s daughter, Simile Mdladlana, paid an emotional tribute to her father.
“We will miss your hugs. We will miss Sunday mornings with you listening to your jazz music on a loud blast. We will miss you walking around the house singing and also your laughter. My dad was a very funny man. The stories he would tell us if you would sit down with him you could chat with him for two to three hours without realising that time had gone by,” she said.
A teacher by training and a former school principal, Mdladlana became a member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994.
He served as a Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Scout Union of South Africa from 1996 and as a Member of the National Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Education from 1994 to 1998.
He was then appointed Minister of Labour by President Nelson Mandela and was retained in this role by former presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.