Holomisa honoured for role in struggle on 60th birthday

He staged a bloodless coup in Transkei, defied the apartheid government and had the temerity to say “no” to Nelson Mandela, one of the world’s most respected statesmen.These were some of the feats attributed to former Transkei government leader Bantu Holomisa at his 60th birthday celebrations at the weekend.

The posh event was held at Summer Place in Illovo, Johannesburg.

Holomisa was the first homeland leader to unban the liberation movements, paving the way for the ANC and PAC to set up camps in Transkei.

This was a period when things were tense in the country, before the release of liberation leaders like Nelson Mandela and Govan Mbeki.

Then 32, Holomisa, as head of the Transkei Defence Force, was  a force to be reckoned with. His no-nonsense, principled approach to leadership helped pave the way for the ANC to hide some of its leaders, who were wanted by security police, in the Transkei.

In attendance at the celebrations were former president Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele, ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza, Kaiser Chiefs president Kaiser Motaung and  tycoon Sisa Ngebulana.

Holomisa’s role in the struggle was highlighted by most speakers at the event. Former trade and industry minister Mandisi Mphahlwa's brother, Luyanda, said Holomisa’s hitherto undocumented role in the struggle needed to be written up.

He said Holomisa had played a crucial role in the transitional phase from the late 1980s to the early 90s.

Mphahlwa’s sentiments were echoed by Motaung, who said Holomisa’s “remarkable achievements” needed to be documented to ensure  “coming generations are educated”.

Holomisa had played a key role “in the transformation and the transition of this country to  a democracy”.

This included his role in unbanning the 33 organisations in the Transkei that were banned by his predecessors. These actions paved the way towards the formation of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa).

Motaung said all  the  leaders who made South Africa what it was today deserved recognition regardless of the  party they belonged to.

In honour of his role as a leader, Holomisa’s family and protege Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase produced a video honouring his contribution.

Known as a no-nonsense politician, Holomisa’s soft side was lauded on Saturday when his children and others whom he took under his wing spoke fondly of his love for his family.

“He made sure   we were always taken care of at home. He provides, and not   just financially or materially. He made sure  you were doing fine – when he is not there he makes sure   you are fine,” said Anele Holomisa.

Another celebration is to be held in the Eastern Cape in December.