Johannesburg - “White people did not discover South Africa but continue to claim the country as their own due to the rich mineral resources and other strategic economic viability."
These are the words of former president Jacob Zuma, who delivered a keynote address in honour of the struggle heroes of Umgababa in the 1980s and 1990s.
Zuma also took the opportunity to urge the KwaZulu-Natal government and local leaders to support and honour those who contributed to the fight against apartheid but have since been forgotten.
Zuma was speaking during a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of the heroes and heroines who perished during the height of political violence in the 1980s and 1990s in the Umgababa area, south of Durban, on Sunday.
Before delivering his address, Zuma was met with cheers from the community in the presence of members of the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA).
Zuma gave a keynote address, saying white people did not discover South Africa but came to live in Cape Point. "They came across the Cape Point and left everything to come here… You can’t close Cape Point; it is very important, and closing it would start a world war," he said.
Zuma said South Africa is the only country on the continent that has more white people and Afrikaners.
"South Africa is an important country that has two Cape Points in the world, which is why white people made their way into the country in their numbers."
"South Africa is home to more white people than any other African country due to its mineral resources. They have swelled the country due to the fact that the country is seen as an important economic powerhouse.
"This is the only country that has white not found anywhere else. These people are called Afrikaners, and you can find them here. They have even claimed this country as their own," he said.
He added that the reason Afrikaners and other white minorities do not want to leave the country is due to the country’s rich mineral resources.
Zuma said ordinary people sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom, adding that more should be done to recognise them.
"I believe the families who lost their loved ones during the struggle will be happy if they know that on certain days their loved ones are remembered.
"I wish a remembrance such as this one could be discussed by the provincial government, as in other areas, as well there were people who died, but nothing has been done to honour them.
“Their families need to know that their loved ones are our heroes of the democracy we are enjoying today," he said.
The Star