Goniwe’s family says voting is key to speed up service delivery

The family of struggle hero, Matthew Goniwe believes their vote will contribute to the fast tracking of service delivery and the creation of jobs in Cradock in the Eastern Cape.

The Goniwe family praised the government for the work it has done during the past 25 years of democracy.  The family still resides in the Karoo town of Cradock.

Matthew Goniwe and three others were dubbed the Cradock Four. The group included Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli.

Cradock is the home of South African heroes. The Goniwe family home is in the Lingelihle township.

Matthew’s older brother, Zwelinzima, is now 93 years old. He says his brother would have applauded South Africa after 25 years of democracy.

He voted on Monday and is confident that the people of Lingelihle will vote in large numbers.  “My brother loved people, he played a big role in politics, he was a good person, a good leader for our people and people had confidence in him back then.”

Goniwe’s son Mbulelo says, “We want to see lives of our people changing, we want this government to continue with good work after 25 years of democracy. We have to vote to continue with the legacy of my father. He was loved by the people. So voting is key to speed up service delivery.”

A monument has been built in honour of the four men who paid the ultimate price for freedom. It embodies the memory of the Cradock Four. However, it is also a history lesson for school children, who are taught about the contribution Goniwe and others in order to realise freedom.

“The interest is huge from learners, some come when they have assignments and we equip them with information that is relevant, even international tourist have shown interest,” says tour guide Xolile Dywili.

There are 35 voting stations in the area and over 30 000 people have registered to vote, including the Goniwe family.

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