Eastern Cape Provincial Government led by Hon. Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane - MPL, as Premier, has officially named the Bhisho State House after ANC veteran and stalwart Mrs Lilian ‘Lily Diedricks recently.
Lilian Diedericks also known as Aunt Lilly” is one of the brave women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria 65 years ago, to demand an end to pass laws.
Premier describes the old name of the building, State House, as a reminder of the painful struggle for freedom back in the days. I want to thank uMama uLiilian and the family, for the contribution the family has made and the sacrifice. I want to thank her for the fight against injustices of the past, we will forever be grateful to you Mama for the role you played.” Premier acknowledged during his keynote address at the opening of the house. .
The renaming of the building is part of government s effort to honour the liberation struggle icon and Eastern Cape legend, in line with Premier Mabuyane s pronouncements during last year s Women s Month commemoration.
We are here today because of your sacrifices; we honor you and all other women that worked with you, in you we see many other unsung heroes and heroines that probably have not yet been recognized” premier said.
The dedication of the building, where the Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Authority is located, after Mrs Diedericks, is aimed at inspiring the Eastern Cape leadership and public servants to emulate Diedericks motto in life; to be servants at all times and never make excuses, as the province forges ahead in #BuildingTheEasternCapeWeWant.
Naming this building Lillian Diedericks House, we want it to be synonymous with selfless service, humility, commitment, progress and accountability” Premier said.
This is our way of preserving your name Mama, for your selfless service and sacrifice you made for us to be free, your name will live forever and be mentioned amongst amaqhawe esizwe” he added.
Bhisho State House is the second building in the Province to be named after Diedericks, the first one being the Lillian Diedericks Municipal building in Gqeberha.
Mrs Lilian Lily” Diedericks, a trade unionist, shop steward, founding member of the Federation of South African Women and member of the South African Communist Party; was born in 1925 in Gqeberha.
She spent a better part of her life being active in the underground activities of the liberation struggle effort in the greater Port Elizabeth area, together with fellow activists and stalwarts including Raymond Mhlaba.
After a protest against the mayor of Port Elizabeth in 1956, she was among others who were arrested for treason and was acquitted in 1961. Diedericks was also banned by the apartheid government, from 1967 to 1968.
On the day of the renaming, Premier unveiled the plaque and Lillian s mural painting, which is part of rebranding of the State House. Amongst the dignitaries and guests who made it to witness this significant occasion was Aunt Lilly s family. I need to thank the Premier for doing this, thanking him especially for keeping his word” Aunt Lilly s daughter Eugene speaking on behalf of the family.
Eugene Plaatjie also shared a message of encouragement to all women As it is Women s Month, my message to you is the following, do not backstab other women, lift them up, fix the crown”
To all men, step up as family and show that young boy how he is supposed treat a girl, then we will have less killings of our women” Eugene alluded her message in fight against Gender Based Violence.
