Programme Director, Mr Ace Mabaakanye
MEC of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Culture Ms Galebekwe Tlhapi, Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema, Cllr J. Makolomakwa
The Mayor of Ramotshere Moiloa and Councillors, Our Esteemed Traditional Leaders,
Mr Uhuru Moiloa, our Community Historian Leaders of Faith Based Organisation,
The National Lottery Foundation, Tlhako Ya Pele Foundation Distinguished guests
Bagaetsho Dumelang,
It is an honour for me to address this important occasion that chronicles the heroic acts of our women forebears in the fight against Apartheid. I am also humbled that this occasion does not only seek to celebrate our heritage, but it is aimed at preserving the history of the liberation struggle.
The people of North West played a colossal role in the fight against Apartheid. This area, Lehurutshe was the save passage for activists and freedom fighters at the height of the liberation struggle. The Bahurutshe people were also instrumental in defending their territory against during the Battle of Dimawe through the alliance of Bakwena, Batlokwa and Balete.
The Alliance was led by Kgosi Sechele 1 who is recorded in history as one of the most successful military strategists in the fight against colonialism and oppression in Southern Africa.