During the 20 years of freedom and democracy, the African National Congress has vastly changed the lives of the people of South Africa.
It is for this reason that Uthukela District had the honour of receiving the Freedom Flame. The flame arrived at the Forderville Hall at about 9am on Saturday.
The members of the police service accompanied this torch. The aim of this Freedom and Democracy Flame was to show the people the progress the government has achieved in the past 20 years.
As the champion of this road show, the District Mayor Dudu Mazibuko delivered a keynote address on behalf of the MEC for Transport, Liaison and Community Safety Willies Mchunu. She cited a number of examples of successful projects, which included Umtshezi Intermodel Taxi Facility, Frere Hall which is now named the Jimmy Lembethe Community Hall after the slain ward councillor, crèches, Mshayazafe Hall, multi-purpose hall in Wembezi, new taxi rank and market stalls in Weenen and electrification of Rensburgdrift/Esgodlweni. Mayor of Imbabazane Municipality Phindile Strydom said they honour the heroes and heroines who were killed during the political unrest such as the late Bongani Mthalane, a party agent, who was killed at a voting station in 1999. Speaking about service delivery, Mayor Strydom mentioned the Nkosi Nalana Mkhize multi-purpose stadium with standard facilities such as change rooms, toilets and other modern amenities. She added that they have built traditional leadership administration and community halls in all wards.