"I am humbled to stand here among the people of Makana Local Municipality to receive such a great honour, the Freedom of the City of Grahamstown," President Jacob Zuma said to an all-ears crowd at Joza's Miki Yili stadium on Wednesday.
"I am humbled to stand here among the people of Makana Local Municipality to receive such a great honour, the Freedom of the City of Grahamstown," President Jacob Zuma said to an all-ears crowd at Joza's Miki Yili stadium on Wednesday.
Donning the animal skin given to him by the Xhosa royal house, Zuma said it was humbling that the municipality which was conferring the honour was named after Makana, an illustrious freedom fighter who sacrificed his life for his people.
Makana had inspired and led an attack against the British garrison in Grahamstown in 1819 and served time at Robben Island. "Even during our time in Robben Island, the name Makana reverberated with poignant substance and reverence," Zuma said.
Throughout his speech, Zuma repeatedly expressed his appreciation for what he said was the highest honour. "No greater honour can be given by a people than to share what is most precious to them – their home, their freedom, their rights as citizens and their own town or city," he said.
The speech outlined development at local level intended to address service-delivery backlogs. "To date, about 50 projects, mainly sanitation, have been implemented, at a cost of R92.4 million," Zuma said. He said the local government elections had provided the government with "renewed energy and impetus to work harder" to improve the situation of developmental or service delivery backlogs.
"Some of the major improvements we must make include getting each municipality to involve the communities they serve in decisions affecting their lives." Zuma said this involved ensuring continuous communication between municipalities and the citizens to reduce the levels of frustration and anger that had led to recent protests, particularly the recent attacks on councillors and their homes in some parts of the country.
These attacks he described as shocking, saying they were not what should be seen in a democratic society, where people had so many avenues through which to voice their grievances or suggestions. "I am also very proud that I also share this honour with my leader, Madiba, who was also my national volunteer-in-chief in the 50s, my commander-in-chief in the MK, my President in the ANC and my first democratically elected President of our country."
He delivered the address clearly, reading carefully from beginning to end, rarely connecting with his audience. But after he had finished, he broke the formality and looked up to say, "You must rest assured I will from now on frequent this town so that I can fully enjoy my freedom." Jokingly he said, "You will wake up one morning to find me here." His highly vocal supporters started chanting, "Sing for us, sing for us".
On hearing this, he said, "I wasn't going to, since this is such a big occasion. But if you say so…" And then the famous Zulu song, Umshini Wami, rang through the stadium as Zuma sang for his people. Starting a bit stiffly, he gradually lightened up and starting dancing as well to his song – which thrilled the crowd, who sang along and danced too.
