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Kagiso greets its homegirl

Sowetan Reporter

Sowetan Reporter

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, who was last weekend feted in her home town, Kagiso, on the West Rand, says it is important for politicians to keep in touch with their roots.

Speaking at a function organised by local businesses and community leaders, held at the Kagiso community hall on Saturday, Mokonyane said it was "important to be accepted by one's own" otherwise one would lack the confidence to move forward.

The gala dinner, at the Kagiso community hall, brought together residents, local business people, church leaders and people from the teaching fraternity to honour the new premier.

Mokonyane, one of the country's five women premiers, was born in Kagiso, Krugersdorp. It was there she cut her teeth in politics as an ANC activist and where she was part of the struggle class of the late 1980's.

"People do not know that the West Rand has a history of activism. Many people don't know that we sustained the longest consumer boycott here that led to a treason trial."

Another "well-kept secret" was that the West Rand had been "home to some prominent political personalities".

"Archbishop Desmond Tutu is from Munsieville and FW de Klerk studied in Krugersdorp at some point," she said.

Mokonyane used the event to reassure the local community that delivery will remain her focus - to continue the work that was already ongoing.

"Most importantly for me, Kagiso was about having fun with the people who know me as an ordinary person. The people I grew up with and went to school with. The people who just know me as MaMkhize's daughter."

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