[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

12 March 2009

We welcome and commend the decision by the Pretoria High Court this evening of setting aside the urgent interdict lodged by Mr Leroy Sibande, son of the late struggle veteran, Gert Sibande against the play commissioned by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government on the role and impact of the 1958 potato boycott in Bethal.

We view the court outcome as strengthening efforts to protect and promote South Africa's struggle heritage. The play is nothing else but part of the promotion of a good course as it will bring to the public more education about the glorious 1958 potato boycott which fought was against atrocities committed against the farm labourers. The 1958 boycott drew nationwide and international attention to the plight of farm workers.

Whilst the play will restore the honour and dignity of the 1958 events, the provincial government also plans to utilise the play as a platform to provide aspirant youth with opportunities to enter the performing arts industries.

Amongst others, the play is also aimed at recording and honouring the historical significance of the leadership of worker leader, Gert Sibande, by symbolically celebrating the 50th anniversary of the potato boycott through a musical play. The play will also train more than fifty young people in the theatre, film and music industry. This will be an initial investment towards the development of a vibrant theatre industry in the province.

The skewed heritage landscape and apartheid education has denied the majority populace, black and white, an opportunity to learn, know and celebrate our common heritage and identity. The play is broadly aimed at undoing this legacy.

In this connection, the high court decision reaffirms our belief that no individual family can lay claim to what forms part of the popular people’s struggle for liberation and democracy.

The play, under the stewardship of Mbongeni Ngema, will be premiered for the first time this Friday, 13 March 2009, at Gert Sibande's home town in Bethal, 18h00.

For more information contact:
Ntime Skhosana
Cell: 082 496 6875
Tel: 013 766 2055

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
12 March 2009