By Nangamso Mabindla
27 September 2006

THE Gompo Traditional Council marked Heritage Month by laying a wreath at the grave of one of the most celebrated leaders of the struggle against apartheid, Doctor Mpilo WB Rubusana, on Tuesday, 26 September.

A religious minister by trade, Rubusana encouraged many people in the Border area and beyond to join political and Christian movements. But his influence was not confined to the political arena; he also motivated traditional leaders throughout the country to be part of the liberation forces. As a young, aspiring activist, he frequently visited Chief Mhala Ndlambe, whose Great Place was situated in the Mount of Duncan Village, from where the Gompo Traditional Council now operates.

He spent most of his time working within Amandlambe traditional communities. Because of his work to encourage traditional leaders to become involved in the struggle, the Gompo Traditional Council decided to form a partnership with the Amathole District and Buffalo City municipalities and the provincial department of sport, recreation, arts and culture to ensure leaders like Rubusana were commemorated.

Speaking at the event, held in the NU7 Community Hall in Mdantsane, Prince Mzwandile Jongolo from the Gompo Traditional Council said he was happy that the government worked with traditional leaders to remember the contribution made by Rubusana in the struggle against apartheid.

"I am very proud to be standing here to remember one of our greatest heroes. We are also very happy that we have now forged a partnership with the government to ensure our heroes are credited for their part in the struggle."

He urged young people to take traditional affairs seriously and remember heroes like Rubusana and others who hailed from the Eastern Cape. "He was a unifying figure and we would like to use this occasion to call on all our people, including the youth, to be united and remember what people like Rubusana fought for – unity."

Looking to the future, Jongolo said that the council was in negotiations to have a statue of Rubusana erected at the East London Harbour. "We would like visitors to be welcomed by the great man as they enter East London."

The council would also like the Rubusana grave site in Duncan Village to be declared a Heritage Site. After the formalities delegates visited the grave and laid their wreaths in remembrance of Rubusana.