King Sekhukhune I honored with national asset
MOHLALETSI – The Queen Mother of Bapedi Nation ‘Hlapogadi a’ Phaahla led the Bapedi Royalty and cultural performers at the launch of SAS Sekhukhune I vessel recently in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Queen Mother Manyaku Thulare and the Bapedi Kingdom witnessed the naming of the multi-mission inshore patrol vessel in honour of King Sekhukhune I.
The launch of the battle-ready patrol vessel, aptly named SAS Sekhukhune I, took place at Durban Naval Port in Kwa-zulu Natal.
The Queen Mother encouraged the Bapedi nation to continue celebrating King Sekhukhune I for the role he played in defending the honour of Bapedi Nation.
“We thank you many-fold SANDF for remembering our warrior King Sekhukhune I in this phenomenal way. In fact, this year, 2022 marks 140 years since the assassination of our warrior king. King Sekhukhune I fought successive bitter battles and instilled in us the warrior spirit sustained our kingdom to this day,” Queen Mother Thulare.
The Queen Mother added that they were deeply privileged to honour the warrior King with the battle-ship that will be carrying the name and spirit of King Sekhukhune I in defense of the country
Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), which is named after King Sekhukhune I, has welcomed the expansion of the recognition of the legacy of King Sekhukhune I through national assets such as the multi-mission inshore vessel SAS Sekhukhune I.
SDM Executive Mayor, Julia Mathebe commended the naming of the vessel and the elevation of the name of King Sekhukhune I in the Warrior Class of the country’s military fleet.
Mathebe said that they commended South African National Defense (SANDF) for paying homage to the hero and eponym King Sekhukhune I according to Naval Customs and Traditions.
“We welcome the consideration made in the naming of some of the vessels after warriors that have made significant impact in the history of South Africa, and King Sekhukhune I’s military capabilities in 19 years of his rule of Bapedi Kingdom attest to the same class of warriors. The battle-ship would, for eternity, be the pride of the people of the district and Bapedi nation as a whole,” added Mathebe.
Mathebe indicated the naming demonstrated South Africa’s democratic government’s commitment to affirm and truly reflecting the role that people played in resisting colonialism in all forms.
