Ngcobo-based Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has concluded the implementation of developmental and service delivery programmes, in honour of activist and benevolent leader, Dr Alfred Bathini Xuma, who was born on March 8, 1893, in Manzana, Ngcobo, and after whom the local municipality is named.
In 2022, Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality declared the month of March as Dr AB Xuma Month.
The municipality said Dr AB Xuma Month is meant to commemorate and champion the late Xuma’s selfless service and contribution towards fundamental sectors of the economy, such as education, agriculture and healthcare.
The theme this year was “Keeping the legacy of Dr AB Xuma Alive”.
Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality mayor, Siyabulela Zangqa, said that this year’s commemoration coincided with the country celebrating 30 years of democracy.
“This was a time where we needed to take stock of the significant contribution made by Dr AB Xuma in pursuit of freedom and in attaining democracy.
The municipality’s Dr AB Xuma Month comprised the following programmes:
- Handover of 400 ewes to the Woolgrowers Association, and 40 Wheelchairs at the Engcobo Indoor Sport Centre on March 15, 2024.
- Rehabilitation of access roads in various wards (Manzana Clinic – Skantini 2.9km, Tshathu 3.8km, Mafilika to Mngqalosini 3.3km, Zola Pjs – Macingwane 2.2km, Zihekeni/ R58 – Mqabu JSS 3.2km, Mtintloni 4.3km, Gcina to Mdeni/ Farming 6km, Mhlophekazi Clinic – Lumkwana SPS 4.1km and Ngwemnyama 5.9km
- Handover of 15 sewing machines in Gobhoti, Ward 9
- Dr AB Memorial Lecture, the second hosted by the municipality after the institution was renamed from Engcobo Local Municipality to DR AB Xuma Local Municipality. The lecture is meant to instil the values of Xuma in society. It will take place this month
- Dr AB Xuma Annual Race and Hiking. The race is planned in collaboration with Engcobo Striders Athletics Club. The municipality is targeting runners from all over the country, thus promoting tourism through local economic development.
- Traditional horse racing in partnership with the Chris Hani District Horse Racing Association, to take place in April.
According to South African History Online, Xuma died on January 27, 1962, from pancreatic cancer complications.
