South African History Online

Speech by President Nelson Mandela during a visit to the Homeless People's Federation Project

Oukasie, 26 November 1995

Mr. Mayor;
Members of the Homeless People's Federation;
Citizens of
Oukasie, Brits and neighbouring areas

The rains of the past week have brought joy to many in our country, not least
in this fertile farming area.

But the drenching downpours have also highlighted one of the great challenges
facing our country - the challenge of putting decent roofs over people's heads.

In approaching this task we have learned a great deal from the people - from
those who are the biggest providers of housing in the country, the homeless
themselves. We have learned the value of partnership between ourselves and the
people in their communities.

We recognise the efforts but into housing by the people themselves. We are
proud of the way our people use their initiative, mobilise their meagre
resources, sharpen their skills, and put in their labour, in order to provide
shelter for their families.

Government has committed itself to supporting the people's housing process.
We will provide mechanisms and funds to support it in such a way that the
standard of housing can improve - particularly for the poorest of our people.

What I have seen here today confirms that this is the right course. The
Homeless People's Federation, with its 20 000 members across the country and its
savings and training schemes, is setting an example of Masakhane in action.

What is particularly encouraging is to see the women taking their lives into
their own hands, taking charge, determined to improve the lives of the
communities and of our country.

You are showing that in building together we build each other, better
communities and a better society for our children to grow up in. You are showing
that with the interfere in the legal process, but it is not disinterested in the
case whose outcome, we believe, will have wide impact.

Government is busy formulating a police on the ownership of mineral
resources. Consultation will ensure that the resulting policy accommodates the
aspirations of all stakeholders while ensuring that the mining industry retains
its central position within the engine room of economic reconstruction.

Amongst our strategic objectives is the goal of ensuring that mining rights
are made available to small entrepreneurs and that ownership of the industry is
opened up to previously excluded communities. This also was the vision of Kgosi
Lebone Molotlegi. It will be the duty of his successor, the Bafokeng people, and
indeed all the people of South Africa, to continue the struggle for economic
empowerment on all fronts.

During this delicate period of mourning and transition we urge the members of
this community to close ranks and not to allow differences op opinion to drive
them apart. You are one people. The practice of prohibiting non-Bafokeng persons
from being buried in the same graveyard, regardless of their sojourn within this
community, is a blight on the esteem and respect in which our nation holds this
community and on the dignity of Kgosi Molotlegi in particular. Nevertheless,
this issue should be left to the community to sort out on its own in accordance
with the new culture of our rainbow nation.

Kgosi Lebone departed at a time when we had just concluded our first
democratic community elections. The establishment of democratic local
authorities in rural areas needs to be handled with great sensitivity. We are
confident that this community will assist the new leader to play his
constructive role in the process. In all villages under Kgosi Lebone's
jurisdiction, the elections went smoothly, and we look forward to an equally
smooth establishment of local councils.

This is in everyone's interest. We need one another and we all have a role to
play now and in the future. The improvement of our lives and the future
stability of our localities depend on these councils. An amicable relationship
between the Kgosi and the newly-elected councillors will give local democracy in
the rural areas a strong foundation.

Bafokeng People;

As we bid our final farewell to our beloved Kgosi Lebone, let us look back at
his heroic record and reflect on the love he had for this community. Let us, for
a moment, focus on his vision of a prosperous future and pledge that we shall
never rest until that ideal is realised.

Thank you.

Issued by: Office of the President