Ceremony of naming the R21 to Albertina Sisulu freeway by Jeff Radebe, MP Minister of Transport

Mama Sisulu and members of the family present here today,
Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa,
Public Transport MEC, Ignatius Jacobs,
Gauteng Arts and Culture MEC, Barbara Creecy,
Executive Mayor, Duma Nkosi,
Councillors present here today,
Distinguished guests,
Members of the media,
Ladies and gentlemen

In every struggle by a people, there are those who occupy various roles, some very visible, some very subtle, while some may be obscured, but all serving the common purpose of liberating the masses of the people. In Mama Sisulu we celebrate a stalwart who made an indelible mark in the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.

I am very delighted to welcome you all at this auspicious occasion of naming the R21/R24 to Albertina Sisulu Freeway, a living legend and stalwart of our country's liberation struggle.

Sisulu belonged to the gallant generation of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League of 1944 that transformed the ANC into a radical and militant organisation, producing leaders such as Anton Lembede, Mxolisi Majombozi, William Nkomo, Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and her own soul mate and late husband, Walter Sisulu.

Together with other struggle icons such as Lilian Ngoyi, Ruth First, Adelaide Tambo and many others, Mama Sisulu played a unique role as spouse to Walter Sisulu, raising the family and giving him support during the most trying of times. In her own right, Mama Sisulu demonstrated that women have an important role to play in the transformation of our country.

We shall not have erred therefore, and in fact are honoured ourselves, to bestow upon her the honour of naming the R21/R24 after her. You are a symbol, a quest and an inspiration for our further development as a young South African nation.

With well over 60 years of involvement in the struggle for our freedom, you continue to be an inspiration to the older and younger generations alike in South Africa.

The R21/R24 freeway links the city of Tshwane with the OR Tambo International Airport, which is the largest and busiest airport in the African continent. The naming of prominent places after our heroes and heroines gives the present and future generations a better understanding and knowledge about those who fought for their freedom.

Our intention today is to honour and acknowledge Mama Sisulu for her contribution to the liberation of this country, the building of democracy and the emancipation of women. How fitting it is that we do this as one of the major highlights as we celebrate Women's Month.

Comrades and friends, the Gauteng province is an economic powerhouse, driven by the sweat and hard work of its diverse citizenry. The success of the province is built on the hopes, hearts and dreams of its entire people. The R21/R24 is a major contributor to Gauteng's economic development. This freeway is a conduit for thousands of people and millions of tonnes of cargo everyday. It is thus an apt opportunity to celebrate our leaders and the various icons whose footsteps signify the pathways that led to the impressive highways of South Africa in the twenty first century.

Today as we build our nation, we ensure that we deliver on the promises of national liberation, freedom and peace. Mama Sisulu became a living symbol not only of the spirit of the great freedom movement but of the crucial role which women play in it. She is honoured by her people as the 'Mother of the Nation' in different respects from bravery, leadership and mentorship.

By naming the R21 in honour of Mama Sisulu we are presenting to the world an icon of our history, an expression of our collective and profound respect in the manner in which other countries honour their heroines. Mama Sisulu will continue to guide and lead many women and men as our living legend and mother.

We salute you Mama Sisulu - Qhawe lamaqhawe!

Let the prevailing memories of your name be instilled in this freeway - You are a living legend of our times.

Viva Mama Sisulu viva!

I thank you

Issued by: Department of Transport
30 August 2007