ILLOVO Sugar South Africa has paid tribute to political peacemaker and champion of reconciliation Dr Meshack Radebe who played a critical role in securing amity between warring factions of his ANC and the rival IFP in Hammarsdale in the late 1980s and 90s.
In a statement, Mamongae Mahlare, MD of Illovo Sugar South Africa, members of the Illovo Board and EXCO leadership extended their condolences to the family of the former MEC who died at the weekend.
“Illovo has first-hand experience of the bravery and negotiating skills of Dr Radebe when violence threatened to play itself out in close proximity to Illovo’s Eston sugar mill,” said Corporate Affairs Director Tshepo Marumule.
“At the time, he collaborated with the IFP’s Sipho Mlaba and together they brought calm to bear, and protected many people from potential harm. What is more is that between the two of these people, they struck up a long-lasting peace agreement between the two communities, and the company – one that still remains in force today.
“Dr Radebe’s actions are a testament to the man himself and in his passing we bid farewell to a leader, community builder and peacemaker par excellence. Lala ngoxolo Radebe.”
