October 22, 2003
By Bontle Moeng
STALWART human rights campaigner Albertina Sisulu's 85th birthday was celebrated in style yesterday with the opening in Soweto of a centre for children with special needs.
The veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle was honoured for her years of dedication to the social uplifting of countless South Africans, with the centre being named after her. "The naming of this centre after Albertina Sisulu is appropriate in that she is a leader who symbolises the struggles of our people against apartheid, social injustices and oppression," said Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo.
During the ceremony a group of youngsters from the area, the Mzini Dramatic Art, sang Happy Birthday to MaSisulu, while one of her sons, Lungi Sisulu, described the Albertina Sisulu Centre as a fitting present. "Your dream has finally come true on your birthday," he said.
Speaking at the official opening of the centre, next to the Hector Pietserson Memorial Square in Orlando West, the mayor said Sisulu represented "a new beginning in the deepening of democracy, the creation of non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa". Said Masondo: "She offers us an opportunity to emulate her example."
The Albertina Sisulu Centre will address the needs of children with disabilities, offer a home-away-from-home to destitute children, and host a range of activities in a community hall.
The centre had been a long time in the works, the mayor said. The project was first mooted in 1997, when the then Southern Metropolitan Local Council passed a resolution to lease land to the Sisulu Trust but construction could not start because of a lack of funds.
However, with the involvement of Nelson Mandela, the project was revitalised. "He requested both the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the City of Johannesburg to search for an appropriate solution," Masondo said.
The final result was a partnership between the City of Johannesburg, the Sisulu Trust and the Gauteng Provincial Government. The City of Johannesburg contributed R7,5-million towards the centre, with a further R2-million coming from the Gauteng Department of Education.
During the ceremony Sisulu's grandson Shaka read out a letter from Mandela, who could not make the event because he was in London launching an Aids campaign.
"Dear Albertina
I would so much have wanted to be here today to celebrate with you and the family.
Please accept my best wishes on your 85th birthday and sincere apologies for my absence.
You know better than anybody how much you have been a part of myself over so many years and decades. Absence has, strangely been a binding element of that relationship. I know that you will know that I am with you in spirit as you celebrate this day.
You had to spend many birthdays without Xhamela physically at your side. Today, however, is the first one after his final departure from us. I realise how much pain this day must hold for you too. Together with you, I remember him on this day. The two of you were so much one that we could only look on in admiration and inspired.
May the day have its happiness for you as you are surrounded by the children and family; and in the knowledge that the entire country will be celebrating with one of the Grand Ladies of our nation.
May the years ahead be filled with contentment, happiness, love and good health."
The letter was signed by Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel.
Sisulu's husband of more than 50 years, ANC stalwart Walter Sisulu (Xhamela) died at the age of 90 earlier this year.
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