ANC president Ramaphosa hails Peter Mokaba as a gallant leader

President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the former African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Peter Mokaba as a gallant leader of the struggle. Ramaphosa was delivering Peter Mokaba Memorial Lecture outside the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Today marks what would have been Mokaba’s 63rd birthday celebration. He died in 2002.

The lecture forms part of the governing party’s activities in the build-up to its 110th birthday celebrations. Ramaphosa says Mokaba heightened the level of militancy amongst young people during the fight against the apartheid system.

“Peter Mokaba was a militant, he was a revolutionary, he was a foresightful leader, he was a leader who was courageous, who was not afraid. More importantly, Peter was disciplined, and he was a soldier, a warrior and highly disciplined and well steeped in ANC values, culture, traditions and politics.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s keynote address: 

Earlier, Deputy President of the party David Mabuza laid a wreath at the stalwart’s grave in Mankweng. Addressing the party members, Mabuza said the party will remain steadfast in its mission to correct its mistakes.

He encouraged young people to emulate Mokaba’s life.  “The ANC will never die, the ANC has got the power and the capacity to self-correct. We will correct ourselves and we will get rid of unwanted elements within our ranks, so we want to say to comrade Peter, we are still here, we are continuing with our struggle, thank you for the contribution that you have made and we have learnt from you.”

Mabuza visited the Mokaba family in Mankweng before proceeding to the grave.