EFF sends its revolutionary condolences on the passing of mama Epainette Mbeki
7, June 2014
Economic Freedom Fighters sends its revolutionary condolences to the Mbeki family for the passing of mama Epainettee Mbeki, who died at 98 years this morning. Like an early bird, a life lived in selfless pursuit of the betterment of others has indeed left the shores of the living and left a greatly led life to emulate.
Mama Mbeki will be remembered for her consistent community work which has earned her many awards including Community Builder of the Year Award. To her old age she believed in the upliftment of the lives of the poor and never postponed that task, neither delegated it to someone else. Mama Mbeki was hands on to the very end, seeing to it that as long as breath existed in her body, she breathed hope to the hopeless.
EFF is proud that through its leadership it managed to salute Mama Mbeki whilst she was alive. Mama Mbeki spoke strongly of the need to develop the rural Eastern Cape, with a special focus on agriculture. She advised us that South Africa needs a strong and effective state that delivers services, particularly to the poor, with precision and efficiency no matter who they are and who they voted for.
EFF will in particular remember her affirmation of the importance of supporting the politically conscious youth. This she said at a time when many stalwarts chose to disregard the EFF, dismissing it as mere youth who do not know what they are doing. Mama Mbeki instead held an opposite view, insisting that "if I were young, I would have joined the EFF".
Mama Mbeki exhorted during our visit at her home that "at this age, all I want is to be next to the youth, to hear their foot steps behind, knowing that they are coming". She saw EFF as those foot steps, the decisive steps that resound the coming revolution which she spoke so dearly of. Her passing is therefore a humble reminder to stay on course, and make sure her advices to us are accomplished.
All South Africans and the people of Ngcingwane in particular, will miss her independent and intelligent mind, her fearlessness to challenge power even when it meant disagreeing with her own son who served as President of the country. Most of all we shall remember and be inspired by her ability to stand for the truth no matter how strong the bonds of nostalgia are which continue to trap many in perpetual mental servitude supporting things no matter how unjust they have become. Unlike many of her age, she never disengaged from the world, neither did she withdraw into silent shadows whilst the drama of post-apartheid woes unfolded in society.
Mama Mbeki therefore remains that ever shining example that the people must come first, that they must be elevated above and that to be an activist is defined by permanent selflessness.
May her brave soul rest in perfect peace. Lala ngoxolo.
Statement issued by the Economic Freedom Fighters, June 8 2014
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