New generation must fulfil Oom Ray’s life legacy
On this day (Feb 12) in 1920, Raymond Mphakamisi Mhlaba was born in the village of Mazoka in Fort Beaufort.
He lived to a ripe old age. And, when he breathed his last breath at St George’s Hospital in Port Elizabeth on February 20 2005, just days after his 85th birthday, his mission on earth was done.
For the previously disenfranchised, poor and marginalised people of South Africa, Oom Ray, as he was affectionately called, left this country a better place than it was when he was born.
He devoted his entire adult life to the service of the people and went onto become the inaugural Premier of the Eastern Cape.
Oom Ray’s name came up in discussion at a communication team meeting of the ANC in Port Elizabeth recently.
The members, mostly hip, young and invigorating, are also filled with the hope of a better tomorrow. The group is diverse and representative of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
What Oom Ray represented at a time when these young adults were not even a proverbial twinkle in their parents’ eye, is what 2019 election Presidential hopeful Cyril Ramaphosa represents today.
A figure of unity, integrity and stability; vehemently against corruption, with a sharp understanding of the importance of a growth-orientated economy.
Succinctly put by team member and media entrepreneur Olly Makuwa: “So, Cyril Ramaphosa is like the new generation Raymond Mhlaba."
That being said, what does this new generation Oom Ray, mean for the people of Eastern Cape?
Makuwa stressed that for many, Ramaphosa represents an end to corruption.
Another young man was convincing in his opinion that it was inevitable that the current “cleansing by Ramaphosa” would filter down to cities and villages in the Eastern Cape.
Khoi-Khoi Chief of the Korana House, Crawford Fraser, said that many in the Khoi community felt excluded and marginalised: “[With Ramaphosa] the hope of inclusion is almost a reality.”
Politically, Ramaphosa is indebted to the Eastern Cape.
In a hotly contested race for the ANC Presidency in 2017, the Eastern Cape supported Ramaphosa.
The people of the province should also take comfort in those with whom Ramaphosa has surrounded himself: individuals with a deep understanding of our province, its politics, its opportunities, its strengths and weaknesses.
Among them Charles Nqakula, former Eastern Cape journalist, and Roshene Singh, former SA Tourism executive who has for years punted the benefits of this province.
Former Umkhonto weSizwe cadre Marion Sparg, who heads up monitoring and evaluation at the ANC’s office of the president, is from East London.
Two of Ramaphosa’s advisers have strong local links.
Donne Nicol, former deputy secretary of the ANC Border Region is originally from East London and Steyn Speed is a Rhodes University graduate.
And remember, Mcebisi Jonas was part of Ramaphosa’s dream team who went all out last year seeking international investment.
If Ramaphosa’s term of office is to benefit the Eastern Cape, the President’s team will need to reach far and wide to assist its politicians control the everyday conundrums of service delivery.
Job creation, payments outstanding to building contractors and professionals, some for more than a year, multimillionrand heritage buildings standing unused and some in ruin, a more efficient healthcare and education systems, and a more efficient police force.
As Commander-in-Chief of all military veterans, Ramaphosa also needs a more intensified focus on this forgotten and impoverished group many of whom reside in the Eastern Cape.
So against this backdrop, what would Oom Ray’s birthday wish be today?
Most certainly, for people to register. IEC offices are open until February 25 2019.
He would also wish that voters think carefully before placing their cross on the ballot to avoid at all costs the possibility of a coalition government.
We don’t need to look very far for hard evidence that it just don’t work.
Oom Ray would also wish that the people of the Eastern Cape hold elected politicians accountable to ensure that government officials serve the public.
His birthday wish would also be for Team Ramaphosa to home in on the Eastern Cape, assist service delivery and intensify the fight against corruption. Lastly, Oom Ray would wish that the wounds of the ANC are healed to restore unity and pride.
Only then, I imagine, as “the new generation Raymond Mhlaba”, would Ramaphosa feel a profound sense of satisfaction knowing that he is indeed carrying Oom Ray’s mission.
Happy 99th birthday, Oom Ray, may you now start resting in peace!
[Raymond Mhlaba] devoted his entire adult life to the service of the people