Tributes pour in for former Bop leader Mangope
POLITICAL parties set aside their differences to pay tribute to one of the staunchest defenders of the Bantustan system, Lucas Manyane Mangope, who died on Thursday aged 94.
Mangope, who was the Bophuthatswana homeland leader from 1977 to 1994, died at his home in Motsweding in the North West.
While in power, he and other homeland leaders came under attack for allegedly preserving the interests of apartheid. Similar attacks were levelled against Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who did not formally endorse the Bantustan system.
But the liberation movements of the time, the ANC, PAC and Azapo, described them as opponents of the Struggle.
Ironically, all these liberation movements used Mangope’s hometown of Zeerust as a gateway and entry point to lodge military attacks against the apartheid regime.
Yesterday, the ANC was one of the parties to acknowledge Mangope’s role in South African political history.
ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said that although Mangope had been an outspoken opponent of the democratisation project in South Africa “as led by the ANC, the party continued to maintain a tone of respect and willingness to engage in search of a common objective of national liberation and democracy in South Africa”.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the ANC in the North West, which hailed Mangope for having created better relations between traditional leaders and the provincial government.
ANC North West deputy secretary Susanna Dantjie said that as chief of Bahurutshe Boo Manyane in Motswedi, Mangope had contributed immensely to the relationship between the traditional leaders and the North West government.
Cope and DA also paid tributes. Cope leader Mosiuoa Lekota said his party was saddened by Mangope’s passing. “We take this opportunity to convey our sympathies to the extended Mangope family, organisational associates and the community large,” he said. DA North West leader Joe McGluwa said: “The DA wishes his family and loved ones strength during this difficult time.” Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.