Recognising Dr Tlou Cholo – A Call to Action

Dear Cdes, today we gather in a deeply historic and emotional moment to celebrate the centenary of one of the stalwarts of our liberation struggle — Dr Tlou Theophilus Cholo.

But before I honour him, we share with you our views on the outcome of the Constitutional Court judgement on Friday, 8th May. There are individuals celebrating and hysterical about the Constitutional Court judgment, but we say we should give parliament a chance to process theoutcome.

The judgment concerns Parliament’s failure, not the president’s conduct. The court did not say Cde Ramaphosa committed a crime or violated the Constitution. Let us give parliament space to process the judgment

The President has assured the nation that he remains committed to upholding the Constitution, respecting the judiciary, and reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law, with all allegations subject to due process.

Comrade Cholo belongs to that generation of courageous patriots who sacrificed comfort, freedom and family life so that South Africa could one day belong to all who live in it. He stood at the frontline of resistance against apartheid — as a trade union organiser, underground operative, Umkhonto we Sizwe cadre, political prisoner and disciplined servant of the people.

His life reminds us that freedom was not handed to us on a silver platter. It was earned through struggle, sacrifice, pain, imprisonment and unwavering commitment to justice.

Through difficult years on Robben Island and in exile, Comrade Cholo and his generation never surrendered their belief in a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and united South Africa.

As we honour him in this centenary year, we also recognise that the greatest tribute we can pay to veterans like him is not just in words, but in action.

Today, the ANC Veterans League declares that we are ready to take over the baton of renewal and ethical leadership within the African National Congress and within society at large.

The ANC Veterans League has resolved that we cannot stand on the sidelines while our movement faces challenges that threaten its moral standing and historic mission. We therefore commit ourselves to becoming active agents of renewal in every branch, region, province and national structure of the ANC.

Our Programme of Action is clear.  Over this year, we will be part of ANC branches, intensifying community engagement through door-to-door visits and house meetings.  

And we have, and will continue to, arrange public dialogues, webinars, and participation in important national commemoration events – especially the 50th anniversary of June 16th ,the 70th anniversary of the Women’s march against pass laws and 30 years of our democratic Constitution.

We are mobilising veterans across the country to strengthen organisational renewal, support effective service delivery, and restore the confidence of our people in the movement of Oliver Tambo, Albertina Sisulu, Billy Nair, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Kathrada and Chris Hani.

We are calling on veterans to actively participate in War Rooms, community structures and grassroots campaigns so that we can respond directly to the concerns of our communities.

We are equally committed to zero tolerance for corruption and criminality. The ANC was built on sacrifice and integrity — not self-enrichment. Veterans of the movement must once again become the moral compass of society. As the conscience of the ANC, we will engage the ANC structures to ensure ethical leadership.

We therefore reaffirm our commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, humility and service to the people. We must also lead by example, because the people of South Africa are looking not only for political leadership but also for moral and ethical leadership.

Comrades,

The Veterans League is growing steadily across the country. Veterans are responding to the call to organise, unite and serve once more.  We now have over 8000 members.

But this growth is not about numbers alone — it is about rebuilding trust between our movement and the people. And it is about comrades who have sacrificed for their freedom, realising that the struggle for freedom continues!

Renewal demands participation in democracy itself. As we approach the upcoming elections, we call upon every South African — especially veterans, youth and communities who cherish democracy — to register and vote.

Voting is not merely a constitutional right; it is a sacred responsibility born from the sacrifices of people like Comrade Cholo and countless others who fought so that every citizen could have a voice.

Let us not allow apathy, division or corruption to weaken the democratic gains achieved through decades of struggle.

Comrade Cholo, today we salute you.

We thank you for carrying the torch during the darkest days of oppression. We assure you that the Veterans League is determined to carry that torch forward with dignity, courage and discipline.

May your centenary celebration inspire a new generation of ethical leaders and committed activists to place South Africa first.

The struggle continues. The renewal continues. And together, we shall rebuild the confidence of our people.

I thank you.