Zuma gets bravery award
2012-12-11 17:30
Lubabalo Ngcukana, City Press
Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has followed in the footsteps of his
Zimbabwean counterpart, Robert Mugabe, in being awarded the King Hintsa Bravery
Award.
Zuma, flanked by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize, landed
in a military helicopter and was welcomed by AmaXhosa king Mpedulo Sigcawu, who
conferred the award to him.
The president’s supporters, who braved the chilly weather in
Willowvale near Dutywa, Eastern Cape, packed an 11-pole-marquee in Nqadu Great
Place.
Xhosa Royal Council spokesperson to the king, Prince Xhanti
Sigcawu, who was there to welcome Zuma, said the president was a worthy
candidate to receive the award.
The awards, named after the great AmaXhosa King Hintsa who
died in 1835, started in 1999. Last year, it was received by Zimbabwean
President Robert Mugabe.
Other past recipients include Robort Sobukwe, Steve Biko and
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
Prince Xhanti said Zuma was chosen because he lived up to
the ideals of the late Xhosa king, fighting for human rights and the
emancipation of black people.
"When you look at President Zuma, you can see that he
represents what King Hintsa fought for. After Hintsa died it was people like
Zuma and others who continued with the struggle and ensured the liberation of
our people. That is why he is a recipient of this award today," Prince Xhanti
said.
ANC supporters wearing Zuma T-shirts ululated as the ANC
president made his way to the great place accompanied by a huge contingent of
bodyguards.
Dignitaries present included Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo
Kiviet, MEC for Social Development Pemmy Majodina and former president Thabo
Mbeki's mother, Epainette Mbeki, who lives nearby.
Also present was former president Nelson Mandela's grandson,
Mandla Mandela.
Nqandu Great Place was abuzz with music and dance as rural
women and men on horseback came to witness the special occasion.
