Africa: The Executive Mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality, Cllr Julia Lata Mathebe, congratulates Queen Mother Manyaku Thulare and the Bapedi Kingdom on the naming of a multi-mission inshore patrol vessel in honour of King Sekhukhune I.
The launch of a battle-ready patrol vessel aptly named SAS Sekhukhune I took place at Durban Naval Port in KwaZulu Natal.
Executive Mayor Mathebe commended the naming of the vessel and elevation of the name of King Sekhukhune I in the Warrior Class of the country’s military fleet.
“We commend the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for paying homage to our hero and eponym, King Sekhukhune I, according to Naval Customs and Traditions. We welcome the consideration made in the naming of some of the vessels after warriors that have made a significant impact in the history of South Africa, and King Sekhukhune I’s military capabilities in 19 years of his rule of the Bapedi Kingdom attest to the same class of the warriors” says Mathebe.
The Queen Mother of the Bapedi nation, ‘Hlapogadi a’ Phaahla’, who led the Bapedi royalty and cultural performers to witness the launch of the SAS Sekhukhune I vessel, encouraged the Bapedi nation to continue celebrating King Sekhukhune I for the role he played in defending the honour of Bapedi nation.
“We thank you many-fold to SANDF for remembering our Warrior King Sekhukhune I in this phenomenal way. In fact, this year, 2022 marks 140 years since the assassination of our Warrior King. King Sekhukhune I fought successive bitter battles and instilled in us the warrior spirit that sustained our Kingdom to this day. We are deeply privileged to honour our Warrior King with the battleship that will be carrying the name and spirit of King Sekhukhune I in defence of our country,” said Queen Mother Thulare.
“Sekhukhune District Municipality, being named after Warrior King Sekhukhune I welcomes the expansion of recognition of the legacy of King Sekhukhune I through national assets such as the multi-mission inshore patrol vessel SAS Sekhukhune I. This battleship shall, for eternity, be the pride of the people of Sekhukhuneland and the Bapedi nation as a whole. It demonstrates our democratic government’s commitment to affirming and truly reflecting the role that our people played in resisting colonialism in all its forms,” Cllr Julia Mathebe.
