Among the guests celebrating the 100th birthday of Regina Gawe, were Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela, Buffalo City mayor Sindisile Maclean and ANC MP Pam Tshwete. Nelson Mandela also sent a congratulatory message which was read out to loud applause.

"It is a rare occasion to celebrate a 100th birthday, " said Maclean in a tribute to Gawe, remembering how the Gawe family played a significant role in the liberation struggle.

"There is no way that when Buffalo City unfolds its name-change programme the name of Gawe will be left off the list," he said.

Born to Reverend Chalmers Dakada and his wife in Uitenhage on August 14, 1905, Regina married Reverent Walker Stanley Gawe in 1936. In 1956 he was arrested and charged for high treason.

"With a husband who had strong connections with the ANC my mother was a pillar of support for him. Even when he was arrested and charged with high treason in 1956 she stood by him," her youngest son Cunmgce Gawe said.

(Source: Dispatch Online / 15 August, 2005)