Pretoria - Praise has poured in for the second president of the ANC, Sefako Makgatho, who has been described as a patriot who selflessly dedicated his life to a truly free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
The renowned teacher and human rights campaigner was remembered on Thursday when President Jacob Zuma officially renamed the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria after him.
The red carpet ceremony was attended by several Cabinet ministers, premiers, the Makgatho family and ANC veterans, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zuma, who unveiled the new plaque at the Presidential Guesthouse, said he was happy that the country can today share the remarkable story of Makgatho's patriotism, dedication and selflessness.
Zuma described him as a fearless activist who believed in direct engagement and defied authorities in many campaigns.
Makgatho was born in Polokwane (then Pietersburg). He led the South African Native National Congress from 1917 to 1924. He made his contribution to the country as a teacher, a trade unionist, journalist and political activist. He established the Transvaal African Teachers Association to fight for improvement of conditions in education.
Before leading the ANC, he also played a key role in the formation of the African Political Union and the Transvaal Native Congress, experiences which prepared him for his subsequent role of leader of the ANC.
Former President Nelson Mandela also admired the leadership style of Makgatho, so much that he named his son after him.
The guesthouse usually hosts high-level international and domestic summits and meetings. The President said each time they hold these meetings, they will remember the great man who loved this country and its people.
"When they visit this residence, we want them to be inspired by the legacy of a man who decided to dedicate his life to making South Africa a better place for us all," Zuma told guests.
He said the renaming was also part of government's programme of promoting social cohesion and forging a common identity and common values for all South Africans.
The President added that the symbols, geographic names and other features of the country needed to reflect the diversity of the nation, history and future.
Mentioning the recent renaming of streets after heroes and heroines of liberation struggle around the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Zuma said that such transformation was most appropriate for this city because it was the seat of government.
"As the democratic government, we are giving this city a new face, capturing the rich political heritage of our country and the selfless and heroic struggle against colonial oppression and apartheid."
Even though South Africa's history is painful and uncomfortable, President Zuma said the nation had a responsibility to reflect a free South Africa accurately, boldly and proudly.
"As a nation, we must together continuously pay tribute to men and women who committed their lives to fighting for human dignity, equality and freedom, and must enshrine the values that they represented."
Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile used his address to call on the nation to remember the sacrifices that people made during the struggle.
He said the nation should continue to draw inspiration from the likes of Makgatho and other liberation leaders in order to preserve our national heritage.
Mashatile announced that his department would, in the next few months, declare Makgatho's grave as a national heritage site.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Reabeditswe Makgatho, quoted from his forebear's speech in 1919: "We ask for no special favours from the government. This is the land of our fathers. "
The great-great granddaughter expressed appreciation to government for remembering Makgatho in such a manner.
