Riot Mkhwanazi Bursary Fund launched

THE launch of an education trust in the name of Riot Makhomanisi Mkhwanazi is a legacy that will remain behind long after the struggle stalwart is gone.

This sentiment was expressed by the State President Jacob Zuma at a gala dinner held in honour of Riot Mkhwanazi, at the Tusk Umfolozi Casino Resort on Friday evening.

The Riot Mkhwanazi Bursary Fund is a culmination of a wish for the 81-year-old freedom fighter who was incarcerated at Robben Island together with Jacob Zuma during the Apartheid years.

When the Musa Dladla branch of the ANC decided to host a birthday party for Riot Mkhwanazi, he asked them to invite his old friend, Jacob Zuma to be part of the festivities because he is the only person who can tell his story as they spent many years together at Robben Island.

Due to the State President’s busy schedule, the birthday party was held on Saturday, 8 March.

Because Mkhwanazi had asked for a bursary fund to be launched in his name, the the highlight of the party was the announcement of the bursary fund at the well- supported function.

More than half a million rand pledged

‘The education of an African child is very close to my heart, therefore this bursary fund will go a long way to address my wish,’ said Zuma as he pledged R100 000 towards the fund’s coffers.

He challenged all the business people, companies and even individuals to empty their pockets and make donations to the fund.

Like the opening of the floodgates, money began pouring in – with uMhlathuze Water pledging R250 000 per annum to fund schoolgirls from the Mkhwanazi clan to study water hydrology.

In 2013 Riot Mkhwanazi was awarded the Order of Mendi for Bravery in Silver by President Jacob Zuma for his contribution to the liberation of the African people.

The launch was followed by the birthday bash on Saturday morning held at Bhekuzulu Hall, University of Zululand.