In a speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa read at the funeral of OR Tambo district mayor Nomakhosazana Meth's two sons, he urged young South Africans to protect the country's democracy by registering and voting in the 2019 general elections.
Ramaphosa’s speech was read out by communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams at the funeral of Bradley Meth, 18, and Ndipheleke Diko, 22, on Friday in Qweqwe village outside Mthatha. The two young men, who had just matriculated, died in a car accident on January 5.
Ramaphosa said youth were the most valuable commodity of any country. He called upon young people to honour Bradley and Ndipheleke by helping protect the gains of the country's democracy.
“You live in a country which has a free society, something which your grandfathers were denied. “Exercise your right to vote.”
The president also described Bradley and Ndipheleke as sons of the ANC, saying their deaths were a loss to their families, communities and country. “The loss of a child is the hardest burden a parent can bear. These were young men in their prime.”
He said the two young men had been lively and motivated from an early age.Bradley wanted to become an architect and Ndipheleke a civil engineer.
Their mother also serves as an ANC provincial executive member in the Eastern Cape.
The funeral was attended by several senior ANC members and government officials, among them the police minister, General Bheki Cele, deputy ministers Mcebisi Skwatsha, Bulelani Magwanishe and Obed Bapela, as well as acting AbaThembu king Azenathi Dalindyebo and AmaMpondo monarch Zanozuko Sigcau.
Several Eastern Cape MECs and the entire Eastern Cape PEC, led by chairperson Oscar Mabuyane, were also in attendance.
Other dignitaries who made the long journey included Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina.
In a touching video message played on a huge screen, Meth reminisced about how her two sons had spoilt her by buying her flowers and jewellery for her birthday in 2018.
She said although she had come to terms with her loss, her children had been taken from her too soon.“When Ndipheleke kissed me I would complain that your beard was rough. “I remember Bradley when you used to say it’s too much. I don’t know who is going to make me laugh now.”
She said the two had taught her discipline, cleanliness and how to treat elderly people.
Expressing his condolences, Mabuyane said while some young people went astray and could tarnish their families names, Bradley and Ndipheleke and had made their family proud. He also urged young people to register to vote to help the ANC win the upcoming elections.
“The ANC is the home of young people. It is a party for generation to generation.”
Meth’s brother, Ncedo Diko, said the Diko and Meth families were deeply saddened by the loss of their two children...