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REVERED: Catholic Archbishop Buti Tlhagale at the 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic Regina Mundi church in Rockville, Soweto, yesterday. PHOTO: Bongani Mnguni

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane announced during the church's 50th anniversary yesterday that the government plans to launch a Struggle Heritage Route in Soweto in September, as part of heritage month activities.

She hailed the church for nurturing political activism when organisations were banned by the apartheid government.

"The important role of the church is that it helped to develop political consciousness. We must thank the church for instilling political consciousness," she said.

Remembering the days when political activists fought with apartheid security agents, poet and author, Don Mattera, said the church was the place they ran to when they were chased by police.

Political activist Ishmael Mkhabela also recounted that they used the church to hold political meetings and rallies.

Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, related how political activity of the time challenged priests to participate in the struggle for freedom. - xabav@sowetan.co.za

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Sun May 19 10:14:44 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 28, 2012

valpre247

ey catholics, are real mafias, look at dat man wit a hat, i wonder how many kids does he have,ba chamma phela baa!
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Aug 28, 2012

MashDiva

Valpre ostlaela!
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Aug 29, 2012

valpre247

im sorry, i guess i got carried away
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Aug 29, 2012

skwamasamabele

An Icon of our National Liberation Struggle. Regina Mundi contributed in the demise of 450 years of Colonialism and Oppression in SA. I remember it with sorrow and pride
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