We want the land to save the lives of our people, Eastern Cape ANC chairman Oscar Mabuyane told hundreds of residents in Makhanda on Friday
Land redistribution and radical economic transformation – while penned in the Freedom Charter in 1955 – are still matters that the current leaders of the ANC, and government, are grappling with 63 years later.
These needed to be resolved and come to full fruition, Mabuyane said in delivering the Freedom Charter lecture at the BB Zondani Hall in Joza Township.
He said the renaming of Grahamstown to Makhanda, promulgated about a week ago, played a vital role in the ANC’s struggle for liberation.
“The name change plays a vital role in our struggle. It is very important for the liberation of our people.
“We want 87% of the land given back to our people, so people can be developed,” Mabuyane said.Addressing the crowd of about 300 Joza residents, Mabuyane said without the Freedom Charter South Africans would not have what they had today, which included RDP houses, social grants, free education and more.
“The ANC is a liberation party. That is why we ought to serve this movement. We should stop playing and do what we have been sent to do.”
Mabuyane called on those in attendance to join the ANC as volunteers to serve the people of the country and to bring about the change needed to move the country forward.
“We are together on this, trying to redress the wrongs of the past.
“We should not have councilors who do not care about communities. Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu volunteers should not sleep hungry.
“When you understand what the ANC is about, we see it in your conduct – how pure and honest you are in being ready to serve the people’s needs,” said Mabuyane.
He added that he was in Makhanda on Friday to answer the call of the people and to reach out to the community.
During the event, several people shouted comments, asking for T-shirts and saying they were hungry.