The day has arrived - Wednesday, 12 July 2017: the day to say goodbye to the Mimosa Complex and HELLO to the Latlhi Mabilo Complex!

The Keynote address was delivered by the Northern Cape Premier, Ms. Sylvia Lucas.  In her speech she said that it is a privilege to take a step in preserving the history of fallen heroes and heroines and simultaneously contributing to nation building. 

She reminded all that although we live in a free and a non-sexist democratic society, it must be remembered that it did not came easy; it came at a very high price, such as losing loved ones, as Latlhi Mabilo’s mom, Mary, had to endure.

Premier Lucas touched on the importance of heritage, “heritage is a loaded and powerful idea.  It is rooted in a sense of history but it is also a concept of the future because when we thinking about the past, it will help us reflect in order to shape the future as we move forward.”

“Heritage then, is about the interrogation of our identity.  It is about understanding the things that have made us what and who we are, as individuals and a society. By having that understanding, we no longer remain the passive victims of the time into which we were born. Instead, we can liberate ourselves and determine our own destiny.”

She continued asking the question what would have became of Latlhi Mabilo had he not died prematurely.
“What we can say with certainty, is that Latlhi was a brave young man who believed in freedom and justice, and who fought for non-racialism and democracy.”

“Latlhi would have been Proud to be proud to be a citizen of a democratic South Africa, where all our cultures and religions are guaranteed by the constitution. He would have rejoiced in the fact that we concluded the transition from an oppressive system to the democracy we enjoy today. He would surely have been amongst the first to register and to partake in our first democratic elections and to mobilise others to do so, so that they can make their voice heard in 1994 and beyond.”

“He would have encouraged the community to be active in the building of the new South Africa, and not to sit back and wait for government to do everything. Democracy brings us the opportunity to have a say over our lives, and we should everything possible in partnership with government to tackle the problems of crime poverty and injustice that still prevail.

Latlhi would have encouraged those with skills to share them with the less privileged.”

Premier Lucas then shortly referred to the struggle history of the late Latlhi Mabilo. 
“Today we pay tribute to a young man, who at the tender age of 20, was forced to leave his home and flee to Angola because he had been very vocal about the oppression suffered by our communities at the hands of Apartheid.  He was a leader in true form and was one of the Founding Members of the Galeshewe Students Organization, GASO in 1985.”

“As a result of his bravery and courage, the Provincial Government deemed it necessary to honour him as part of our unsung hero programme as we do with all our struggle veterans. We will never be able to repay him for his sacrifice nor to his family who suffered many a sleepless night after each search for their son yielded no results. 
We however want to thank him for the role that he played in paving the way for us to enjoy a free, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, as South Africans from all walks of life we have a responsibility to respect and acknowledge the past celebrate the present and build the future together.”

Premier Lucas elaborated on the extensive on-going heritage programme of Government, which includes the renaming of buildings, saying that “The new name should create a general feeling of belonging because it captures our history and creates a context of relevance. We are pleased therefore to kick off the Mandela Month activities with such a historic event.  This renaming today also marks a historical milestone in our heritage.”  

“To the family and close relatives of Latlhi Mabilo I want to say that I am glad that on this day and through the working together of all stakeholders, we are able to honour him in such a small but very significant manner.  May you find inner peace and be proud of the contributions made by this heroic young man.”

Information on the life and times of the late Latlhi Mabilo was shared by three (3) speakers:
 - Mr. Patrick Mabilo - who spoke on behalf of the Mabilo family
 - Prof. Sekgonyane - who spoke on the times he spend with the late Latlhi Mabilo in exile;
 - Mr. Mabaso - at whose house the late Latlhi Mabilo was killed.
 
Father Gift van Staden, MEC for Social Development, explained the purpose of the event focusing on the history of the Mimosa Complex. 
“We are gathered at a place that once served as hope to many young people, but it also was a place that was part and parcel of a very cruel and unjust system. Today we are gathered to rectify that and to do justice to the people of South Africa.”

“Mimosa Complex as it was known up to today officially becomes part of history and we embrace this change in the spirit of change and reconciliation.”

“Mimosa Home was opened on 3 December 1970 and was a Place of Safety that housed coloured children. This continued up to when we gained our hard democracy, which young people in particular fought for. And it is an honour for me personally that we are honouring one of those young people who paid the ultimate price for our liberation by renaming our place of business in his honour.”

“It was only after 1994 when the late Dr Mothloapane who served as MEC for Welfare Services started with an integration process and the children of Mimosa Home of Safety was moved to Thlokomelo and Lorato Place of Safety. The work that the beloved African National Congress embarked on ensured that we have equality and therefore all children in care could be accommodated at the two Places of Safety.”

“Mimosa Place of Safety was after a consultation process converted to Offices from where Social Development Services are rendered.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.”

“Today is not just about change, it is also a step in rectifying the past and part of a healing process that we need to have done. With the change that we effect today, we not only pay our debt to those gallant fighters for liberation and equality, but we also inspire hope in the generations to come. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

After the formal event the dignitaries, inlcuding Premier Lucas, MEC van Staden, Mr. Patrick Mabilo and Mr. Fanyan Mabilo unveiled the plaque, dedicating the Latlhi Mabilo Complex to the late Latlhi Mabilo, which includes a short profile on him.

Ms. Mary Mabilo, whose 81st birthday was on 28 June 2017, received a Birthday cake, while they sang to her. Entertainment was provided by the SAPS Band and the Marimba Band.

The event was attended by several MECs, 50 members of the Mabilo Family, Stakeholders, provincial staff representatives of the surrounding communities, including the ANC Wards, which includes the Latlhi Mabilo Ward.