By Phenyo Selinda
Pretoria, South Africa – Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered a powerful keynote address at the inaugural Ronnie Mamoepa Annual Lecture, held on 13 September 2024 at Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus. The lecture, hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, paid tribute to the late Mamoepa, a distinguished struggle hero and influential figure in government communication.
In his speech, Mashatile urged South Africans to recommit to the core values of compassion, justice, and unity. He drew inspiration from President Oliver Tambo and the ideals set out in the Freedom Charter, emphasizing the ongoing need to construct a society grounded in equality and dignity. “As President Oliver Tambo instructed, our task even in the conditions we find ourselves in today remains that of bringing about the kind of society we visualised in the Freedom Charter,” Mashatile declared.
Honouring Ronnie Mamoepa’s Legacy
The late Ronnie Mamoepa, who passed away in July 2017, was hailed as a defender of freedom, a revolutionary intellectual, and a dedicated public servant. His final role was as the spokesperson for then-Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. Mashatile described Mamoepa as an optimist who believed in the vision of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic society, highlighting his contribution to shaping South Africa’s democratic narrative during the post-apartheid era.
Mashatile recalled Mamoepa’s critical thinking and dedication to service, noting that his work ethic left an indelible mark on former student leaders, many of whom are now part of the Deputy President’s team. “Mamoepa was a revolutionary thinker who understood the importance of research, reading, and discipline,” Mashatile noted, further praising his dedication to advancing the cause of a just and equitable society.
Government of National Unity and Citizen-Centered Communication
The theme of the lecture, 30 Years of Democracy and Citizen-Centered Government Communication, reflected the Deputy President’s focus on the importance of transparency, accountability, and engagement between the government and its citizens. Mashatile acknowledged the significant strides made in the last three decades but emphasized that much more work lies ahead. He assured attendees that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is committed to addressing the country’s current challenges, including inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
Reaffirming Mamoepa’s Influence on Democratic Ideals
Deputy President Mashatile emphasized that Mamoepa’s work was integral to building the kind of democratic society envisioned by South African leaders during the struggle for freedom. “Ronnie was committed to the belief that South Africa’s wealth must be restored to its people,” Mashatile said, referencing Mamoepa’s activism against apartheid and colonialism. He also expressed confidence that Mamoepa would have been a staunch supporter of the current GNU, given his dedication to promoting good governance and ethical leadership.
The lecture was attended by a range of dignitaries and political figures who worked closely with Mamoepa, marking a significant moment in reflecting on his enduring contributions to the democratic project in South Africa.
As Mashatile closed his address, he called on all South Africans to uphold Mamoepa’s legacy and continue the work of building a society where “every voice is heard and every citizen is empowered.” The Deputy President’s stirring tribute encapsulated the spirit of compassion, justice, and unity that Mamoepa championed throughout his life.
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