UL pays homage to Tiro’s memory
The University of Limpopo (UL) hosted the renowned author, Prof Thomas K Ranuga, at their fourth annual Onkgopotse Tiro Memorial Lecture on Friday.
LIMPOPO – Ranuga is the author of Surviving Apartheid memoir and he said South Africa still has a long way to go to overcome the crippling poverty many of its citizens suffer. He said to be able to do this, it must overcome the high unemployment rate in the country.
“Tiro was a man who knew the value of education. He believed that education is the key to overcoming poverty and I second that belief. As we continue to celebrate our relatively young democracy, we must always remember history and our fallen comrades,” Ranuga said.
Ranuga described Tiro as a brave son of the African continent who would not want to see students struggling to get a quality education.
He said that the truth is what Tiro wanted all of them to face and accept because only truth would ultimately liberate them.
However, they first have to confront the harsh reality of the high unemployment rate in South Africa.
Ranuga said people who forget their history cannot benefit from the lessons of the past and are not adequately prepared to carve a better society for themselves and the future generations. “Our country still has a long way to go to overcome the crippling poverty many of its citizens face. That is why transformation in the educational system from elementary schools to university level must be a top priority,” he continued.
He added that sound and affordable education remains the best way out of poverty and a reliable stepping stone to a better and productive life.
Tiro’s aunt, Bafedile Masoba, said Tiro was a son to be proud of, someone who inspired everyone and who everyone admired. She said he valued his family and did all in his power to give them a comfortable life.
“He was a good person. He greatly valued his family and encouraged us to be united and support each other.
“He taught us many valuable lessons,” Masoba said.
UL Vice-chancellor and Principal, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, said Tiro played a crucial part in the lives of the students and the university.
“We should continue honouring Tiro. He lost his life to the cowardly acts of Apartheid forces operating with impunity in his fight for the freedom of his people and his country.
“We must continue his fight and liberate South Africa from the chains left on our people in the form of poverty, unemployment, and a lack of a proper education,” Mokgalong concluded.
