Fikile Mbalula honours the legacy of Peter Mokaba in heartfelt tribute
ANC SG Fikile Mbalula during his visit to the Peter Mokaba home ahead of his keynote address celebrating the legacy of the former youth league President, Peter Mokaba.
Image: ANC X Account
ANC Secretary General (SG), Fikile Mbalula, has honoured the party's former ANC Youth League leader, Peter Mokaba, for his contribution to the struggle for freedom.
On Wednesday, Mbalula led a delegation to honour former ANC Youth League leader Peter Mokaba in Mankweng, commemorating his radical activism and contribution to South Africa's freedom struggle. During the emotional tribute at the home of the former youth league leader, Mbalula thanked the Mokaba family for their son's sacrifice to the revolution, remembering him as a disciplined cadre and the fearless 'Lion of the North'.
"Today we visited the family of Comrade President Peter Mokaba, affectionately known as the 'Lion of the North'. Peter Mokaba's family sacrificed their son to the revolution and the ANC struggle against apartheid. We spent time with the Mokaba family remembering their son and the great contribution he made to the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa," Mbalula reflected.
Mbalula's visit to the Mokaba family comes as the party is preparing to celebrate its 114th anniversary later this week, with the delegation's visit coinciding with Mokaba's birthday. Mokaba would have turned 58 on Wednesday, January 7.
It is expected that ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will outline the party’s priorities for the year ahead, with a sharp focus on reclaiming lost ground in the upcoming 2026 local government elections, with a keynote address set for Moruleng Stadium this Saturday.
Over the years, Mokaba, who died at the age of 43, has been remembered as a fearless youth leader who espoused radicalism with passionate activism in his fight for freedom and equality.
Many believe that his passing in 2002 left a gap in youth leadership, with those who worked with him saying his spirit continues to inspire generations. Now, as ANC pays homage to the ideals at the heart of the freedom struggle, Mbalula’s lecture served as both homage and manifesto—a testament to Mokaba’s influence and a blueprint for youth engagement today.
ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula has honoured the legacy of former ANC youth league leader Peter Mokaba during a wreath laying ceremony on Wednesday.
Image: ANC X Account
Mbalula further commended Mokaba, stating, "Comrade President Peter Mokaba led the ANCYL at a time when our country was transitioning from an apartheid rogue state to a democratic society. Today, we remember our hero and mentor, long may his revolutionary spirit live.
"This remembrance is an emotional occasion, Comrade Peter Mokaba. To us, he was not just anyone; he was a brother, confidant, and mentor. He was most of all a highly disciplined cadre of the ANC and always demanded a similar discipline and strict adherence to ANC principles and values," Mbalula added.