The DA in the Free State has urged residents to draw inspiration from the life and principles of chief Mohlomi.
Mohlomi, who died in 1816, was a visionary leader whose legacy has been recognised as a testament to tolerance, mutual respect, and counter-intuitive leadership.
“Born around 1720 in the Mohokare Valley, now called the Caledon Valley between Lesotho and the Free State, this grandchild of a Bakoena chief was named Mohlomi, the builder,” said DA Free State premier candidate Roy Jankielsohn.
“During visions as a teenager, Mohlomi was guided to be a man of peace and love; to be fair and just; to see all people as his brothers and sisters; to have compassion and patience; and to give special consideration to children, women and old people.
“He was also told to study medicine and to become a healer of bodies and minds.
Jankielsohn said Mohlomi became a chief in his early adulthood and was well-loved and respected by all people in the southern African region.
“He shared his great herd of cattle, ensuring that his people were never hungry. He promoted the concept of justice for all regardless of how many cattle you owned.”
He highlighted Mohlomi’s commitment to peace, stating that at a time when many leaders built formidable armies, he did the opposite, disbanding his fighting units and encouraging men to engage in agriculture and strengthen their roles as husbands and fathers.
Jankielsohn urged every resident in the diverse province to learn from Mohlomi’s wisdom and heritage, further emphasising the DA’s intention to build a prosperous future for the province.
Meanwhile, civil rights organisation AfriForum has emphasised the importance of heritage preservation as an obligation passed down through generations.
Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s head of cultural affairs, stressed that heritage preservation should not be left solely to authorities to prevent neglect.
She called for recognition that heritage, including language, memorials, heritage sites, and historical research should be cherished and protected.
Bailey cautioned against ideological distortions of heritage that sow division and advocated for finding common ground in the legacies of different communities to promote mutual respect and recognition.
“Each generation merely act as custodians of their heritage, and not as owners who can use and abuse it to promote contemporary needs and goals,” Bailey said.
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