Darkey Africa
The Total Leader: Reflections On The Burden Of Memory And The Pain Of Fading Hope – what next?
Darkey Africa
Its an honour to reflect on the life and times of our veteran and Seaparankwe, Mom Ruth Mompati: Had she been alive we would have wished her a happy birthday, when she celebrated her 97th birthday on the 14 September 2022.
Hers was a life of duty and commitment for the total eradication of the apartheid system and enduring service for the good of her community and country for which she dedicated almost 60 years of her life. Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati , she of blessed memories, departed this earth almost 7 years ago , after serving as Mayor of Naledi for 2 terms, from 2000 – 2010.
When she ascended her position as Mayor, she found a small town deeply divided along racial lines, she immediately embarked on a serious programme of racial harmonization and development. Through her humility, leadership and philosophy of inclusivity, she made great strides in this effort. I am happy to see that the current leadership of council, led by Mayor Groep and Municipal Manager Segapo are restoring the dignity of her town and reigniting her dream of seeing her small but beautiful town being fixed, The lights are beginning to brighten, street are being fixed, housing is looming, malls are looming, robots are serving their purpose, the community is being mobilised to fight crime, cemeteries are being refurbished and fenced. Moreover, very soon the great Huhudi Hall, where the name Ruth Mompati used to reverberate, will be broken down and rebuild, this ,I am certain will happen, before the tenth anniversary of her demise!
Mama Ruth Mompati was the epitome of ethical leadership. It was a leadership dedicated to sacrifice and service, one filled with love and passion for the fight for freedom, justice equality and the quest for a better life for all, especially the poor and marginalised woman. Many, who knew her, have described her as a proud African and South African patriot, an internationalist, a teacher, a mother and revolutionary. She embodied values of unity, selflessness sacrifice, collective leadership, humility and mutual respect.
She was also known as strict taskmaster and perfectionist.
to be continued in our next issue…
