By Elias Masilela
It is a real pleasure to be writing to you, at this time in our history. I am writing to you because you an important part of this journey.
On behalf of the Masilela Family and the extended Family of Number 43, I am honoured to be given the responsibility of inviting you to the 17th Annual Number 43 Legacy Event. This Event is scheduled to be hosted in Eswatini (Swaziland, as we know it), from the 20th to the 21st of June, 2025.
This year’s Legacy Event will not only be the traditional annual recognition of those people who contributed to South Africa’s liberation – it will also be the celebration of 60 years of the existence of Number 43. After two years of the Event being held in exile – outside of South Africa – owing to political uncertainty in Eswatini, the Family has found it appropriate and most fitting to go back and celebrate the 60th year anniversary where the history was made. This and your most appropriate participation will put stay to this year’s pay-off-line – WE’VE COME FULL CIRCLE! The pay-off-line is also made even more relevant by the fact that South Africa is faced with a new form of apartheid being foisted on us from elsewhere in the world. The country finds itself having to undergo a new struggle for liberation.
After careful thought and analysis, the Family has concluded that we could never successfully complete the celebration without the presence of the people who have been instrumental in this historical journey at the launch of the book, Number 43 Trelawney Park; kwaMagogo in 2007. That year remains an iconic point in our history, which will forever be a reference point, by many, over generations. In this regard, it would be our real pleasure to have you as one of the guests to celebrate this milestone with us.
Book Launch – No 43 Trelawney Park
We are delighted to announce that we have put together a most appropriate panel, for our Gala Dinner and Annual lecture, on the Saturday (21st) evening. consisting of Former Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, Former Minister Lindiwe Zulu as well as General Shoke. This panel will explore the intertwined histories of Number 43 and South Africa’s liberation, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection – as well as reminisce on the life in Swaziland in those good old days. No doubt, this will be an emotional pilgrimage. On the 20th, we are honoured to have Professor Bonang Mohale, who will unpack the impact of the G20 being hosted on African soil, for the first time in its history.
We believe it would be the most appropriate way of completing what we see as a significant circle of our past.
