SISULU HONOURED AS ONE OF THE GREATEST
“People in the Chris Hani District are blessed that a leader in the mould of Mama Albertina Sisulu was born and blossomed in this area. This district has produced a number of selfless and exemplary people who lived their lives serving others without any expectation of personal gain. This woman raised her children in the absence of her husband Walter Sisulu who unjustly spent over two decades incarcerated. She always urged the youth to study in order liberate themselves and the society from the apartheid bondage”. These were the words of Dr Brigalia Bam, the former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission who delivered a memorial lecture on Mama Albertina Sisulu in Xolobe Village of Tsomo where she was born.
The memorial lecture was held on 26 October to commemorate Ma Sisulu who would have turned 100 this month and CHDM hosted the provincial celebrations. Xolobe village was under Amathole District and only became part of ward 3 of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality (CHDM) in 2016. It is one of the villages facing basic service delivery and social challenges.
In making a difference to the people of Xolobe, Chris Hani District Municipality installed 22 water tanks around Xolobe villages and have dedicated a water tanker to fill the tanks. Additionally drilling is taking place with the purpose of augmenting underground water. These are temporary interventions to relieve the area of water shortage since their water scheme is not sufficient for the village. A permanent solution will come with the Tsomo river abstraction project currently underway, which will help provide water to both Chris Hani and Amathole areas.
In addition to the strides of improving the lives of Xolobe communities, a toy library in the area was opened after Mbalo foundation donated it to the community. A total of hundred trees were also handed over by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism to the community and planted in public amenities.
Mama Nomalungelo Mbolekwa of Xolobe village said “we are delighted that we will now walk shorter distances to fetch water. We always run out of water and have to walk to Qutsa village to get water and when we get there Qutsa residents don’t allow us to be first in the queues no matter how early we get there. This area has now become violent and crime is in its all-time high and we always get worried when our children walk to fetch us water.
Further details can be obtained from Lonwabo Kowa on lkowa@chrishanidm.gov.za / 082 3370 146