Dr Mathews Phosa celebrates 70th birthday
Phosa, whose political and business credentials speak volumes, led the ANC and Government at a time when there were many uncertainties in the country.
At 70, Dr Mathews Phosa is still as sharp and smart as ever.
He is also not afraid to speak his mind. Above everything else, he is still a workaholic and as energetic as he was during his activism years.
During his 70th birthday celebration at the magnificent Christie’s at 32 on Russell in Mbombela on Saturday night, speaker after speaker hailed Phosa as a trailblazer and a true servant and selfless leader of the people.
Phosa, whose political and business credentials speak volumes, led the ANC and Government at a time when there many uncertainties in the country, following the regime change after the 1994 general elections.
He was only 42 years old when he was sworn in as the first premier of Mpumalanga under the democratic dispensation. As leader of both the ANC and Government, his task was to unite the province, a task which he executed with distinction.
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His strong command of the Afrikaans language helped him win the hearts of the white communities.
“He had his mission planned and he was going to make a success of the province. He removed the fears of mostly the white communities. It was after all, uncertain times,” said Irma Green, the former Lowveld Media group editor, now Caxton national group editor.
“As an esteemed leader and elder of our community, we need your wisdom and leadership now more than ever. Our beautiful country has always been the driving force for you. Please continue to be a beacon of hope,” said Green.
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The former government spokesperson and now businessman, Oupa Pilane, said Phosa believed in and invested in the youth during his tenure as the premier.
“What is the purpose of life? I want to believe that the purpose is to serve others, and I must say that Dr Phosa is by far one of the selfless leaders of the people I know.
He has served the people well… and continues to do so. Today we celebrate his life and his birthday and I am happy that we are celebrating him while he can still see and hear us,” said Pilane.
During Phosa’s premiership tenure, he had a vision of making and turning Mpumalanga into a prime spot, to open it to the rest of the world. The vision of the Maputo Corridor was born and this is one of his many legacies.
