Thohoyandou: President Jacob Zuma has praised the Mphemphu Ramabulana clan in Limpopo for playing a vital role in the struggle against apartheid.
The President was speaking during his acceptance of the King Makhado Bravery Award at the University of Venda on Thursday.
“Traditional leadership has played a pivotal role in the liberation struggle and fighting against apartheid in our country with examples like Chief Albert Luthuli. Our ruling government will not forget to recognise the struggle played by traditional leadership in fight against apartheid,” said President Zuma.
“I have come here not only to receive the award that I’m being bestowed with, but also to pay my humble respects to the Mphephu Ramabulana clan for their struggle against colonialism, especially the legendary King Makhado who was also called Tshilwavhusiku Tsha Ha Ramabulana because of his bravery.”
Zuma thanked Venda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana for remembering the heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
The King Makhado Bravery Award is the highest accolade of the VhaVenda kingdom and it was named after the legendary warrior and leader of the Vhavenda community.
President Zuma said Limpopo remains a province still characterised by under development, especially in the rural areas where water and electricity are still a challenge.
He said as government, they are ready to fast-track service delivery across the entire province.
President Zuma was joined by Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Letsesa Tsenoli, Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha and various MECs in the provincial government.
Vhavenda King Mphephu Ramabulana congratulated President Zuma on receiving the award.
“As the Vhavenda kingdom, we decided to bestowed and honour President Jacob Zuma with the King Makhado Bravery Award because he has shown his skills in building and uniting the nation.
“Zuma never distanced himself from resolving the disputes of the traditional leadership,” King Mphephu Ramabulana said.