Tambo’s words inspire the metro
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele told scores of people who gathered at the Tambo wreath-laying ceremony, that Tambo's vision inspires the metro.
The ceremony took place at the Tambo gravesite, in Wattville, on Sunday, October 27.
Hailing the late struggle stalwart Oliver Tambo as a giant whose history can never be told in one day, Gungubele quoted from the words of Oliver and Adelaide Tambo, engraved on their tombstones, and said that the metro envisions building from the inspiration of “these words”.
Oliver’s words calls for South Africans to break down the barriers of division and to create a country where there are neither whites or blacks, just South Africans, free and united in diversity, while Adelaide’s calls for the right to be literate, questioning and educated.
Gungubele said visiting the gravesite “reminds us of why the African National Congress (ANC) was born” and also allows introspection on how far “we have advanced in the cause”.
He said the metro has done and is still doing its best to ensure better service to its citizens.
As if talking to the Tambos, he said: “As you wished, we will defend what you stood for and restore the dignity of our people.”
Gungubele added: “Our country is calling us. We dare not fail and we dare not sleep.”
Highlighting the progress, he listed projects, including the aerotropolis, saying it gives hope, even to the poor in the townships.
Also, by digitising Ekurhuleni, Gungubele hopes “our citizens will receive a better service as we embark on efficient working practices where we will make more with less”.
He added that the proposed Bus Rapid System BRT will ensure safer and better transport modes for citizens of the city.
The route construction for BRT is expected to kick off in June, next year.
Chairman of the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Fondation, Pallo Jordan, said Tambo carried his assignments with distinction, great dignity and amazing skill.
“Without his distinguished contribution we would not be standing here today,” he said.
Jordan added that the “negotiated settlement” arose from the strategic thinking of Tambo.
The Tambos’ three children, Dali, Thembi and Tselane, also attended the ceremony.
Other dignitaries included Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau and members of the Ekurhuleni mayoral committee.
Council speaker Patricia Khumalo led the proceedings.
