We celebrate the 25 years of Democratic Local Government through the many contributions of outstanding individuals and collectives from various generations.

The two Comrades we are honoring today represent the period spanning from the 70s to date, covering the role of student and youth struggles, Civic and workers struggle, The National Question as well as the political under- ground.

Cde Nkosiyakhe Amos Masondo, who is also affectionately known as Bra Ambi and “General”, is a living monument of what humility, discipline, and selflessness means in a life of a cadre of the ANC. Comrade Amos Masondo is a veteran and a mentor to many of us.

Cde Parks Tau’s contribution and accumulated knowledge & experience overtime have turned him into an ideal model of a well-rounded cadre. A typical youth from Soweto who went through the ranks of the student, youth, civic, and ultimately the ANC as a liberation movement.

There are a lot of similarities between the Comrades we are honoring today, notwithstanding the fact that there is an age gap and experience between the two comrades. What they have in common is the fact that they both appreciate the primacy and centrality of the people in the struggle as led by the ANC. In everything that the two Comrades have been doing, they have both been guided by the values and principles of the ANC. (Non-racialism, non-sexism, unity, democracy, and a prosperous South-Africa)

Through these two comrades, we have been able to bear witness to the translation of the demand for “one city and one tax base”.

Through Cde Amos Masondo and Cde Parks Tau, we have seen and experienced the practical meaning of working as a collective.

Comrade Amos Masondo and Cde Parks Tau understood the importance of leading with a clarity of thought and purpose. In other words, having a clear vision of where we come from, where we are now and where we are going and how to get there.

Similarly, the ability to mobilize and unite a broad cross-section of society around a common and shared vision has been their guiding principle. They both championed the Vision of “building a World-class African City”. They both understood the role of cities in a globalized world, where cities are now engines for economic growth.

They understood the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. Perhaps one of the most critical lessons we can draw from both these two outstanding comrades is the importance they attached to the principle of accountability to the Municipal Council and the citizens it represents as well as the ANC the organization that gets a mandate from citizens through elections.

Conclusion:

These two outstanding Comrades live and work amongst the people of Johannesburg, Gauteng and South Africa, Africa, and the World. They continue to learn and serve with honor and integrity. They together with others from our city and Province carry the flag high, serve as a source of great inspiration to the youth of our country.

It is perhaps not a coincidence that both Comrades have been called to serve our country up to the National level.

Cde Amos Masondo – Chairperson of The National Council of Provinces and Comrade Parks Tau – Deputy Minister of Cogta … Soon to be Mec Econ Dev. In Gauteng. We celebrate and honor you for your sterling contribution to the growth and development of our democratic local government and our country. We come from, where we are now and where we are going and how to get there.

Similarly, the ability to mobilize and unite a broad cross-section of society around a common and shared vision has been their guiding principle. They both championed the Vision of “building a World-class African City”. They both understood the role of cities in a globalized world, where cities are now engines for economic growth.

They understood the importance of thinking globally and acting locally. Perhaps one of the most critical lessons we can draw from both these two outstanding comrades is the importance they attached to the principle of accountability to the Municipal Council and the citizens it represents as well as the ANC the organization that gets a mandate from citizens through elections.

We have suffered more than just national humiliation. Our people are deprived of their due in the country’s wealth; their skills have been suppressed and poverty and starvation have been their life experience.”

“The correction of these centuries-old economic injustices lies at the very core of our national aspirations.”

“It is often said that for an organisation to be healthy, the discrepancies between the elders and the rank and file ought not to be too great.

Obviously, leaders need peace of mind, some comfort, and facilities for quiet work. However, it ought to be constantly borne in mind that these requirements ought not to be an excuse for the emergence of an elite.”

Ben Turo