ANC endorsed by family of veteran John 'Joe' Nkadimeng

The family of ANC veteran John "Joe" Nkadimeng has endorsed the ANC for the upcoming May 8 general elections.

This took place at the stalwart's house in Johannesburg, after ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed the highest honour of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe to the 92-year-old.

In the family's acceptance speech by Nkadimeng's daughter, Shirley, she said they were  behind the ANC and confident that the party would retain power post the elections.

"All we can say is ... we know that there is no doubt that the ANC is going to take it. It is going to win and we wish leaders success as they go around campaigning and we are behind you," said Shirley.

"We are so humbled to be in this occasion and it is very emotional for us, my mom, my father, my brothers and my sisters to finally witness something as great as this accolade. 

"We really appreciate it. It goes to show that the selfless contribution that my dad made to the struggle for freedom has paid off. When you plant a seed there is time to grow and then there is pruning time and then there is time for harvest and I think now is the time for my father to reap the fruits of the hard work he has put towards the struggle."

Ramaphosa was accompanied by four other members of the ANC top six, with only deputy president David Mabuza missing in action.

National chairman of the governing party Gwede Mantashe thanked Nkadimeng for his role in the struggle against apartheid.

Said Mantashe: "Thank you JJ [Nkadimeng] for all the work you have done. You have built the ANC, you have built the Communist Party and you built everything and that is why this award befits you in all respects.

"You were selfless, you gave it and we are where we are because of your efforts and we are grateful to your contribution and we are hoping we can take the ANC to new heights with hard work."