491 Days by Madikizela-Mandela Winnie; Kathrada Ahmed; Kathrada Ahmed

Author:Madikizela-Mandela, Winnie; Kathrada, Ahmed; Kathrada, Ahmed
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ohio University Press
Published: 2014-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

LETTER FROM NELSON MANDELA

TO IRENE MKWAYI150

29.9.69

Our dear Nolusapho,

I was indeed encouraged by the touching message of sympathy you sent me on the occasion of the death of my eldest son, Thembi. Both the printed text of the condolence card, as well as the soothing sentiments you scribbled down next to the text, were singularly appropriate and they did much to inspire me.

I received the tragic news on July 16, and six days thereafter I applied to the Commanding Officer for leave to attend the funeral, at my own cost, and with or without escort. I added that, if Thembi would have been buried by the time my application was received, I should in that event be allowed to visit his grave for the purpose of ‘laying the stone’ (ukubek’ilitye) – the traditional ceremony that is reserved for those who miss the actual burial.

Ten months before this I had made a similar application when my mother passed away, and though the authorities had then adopted a hard line in refusing what I considered in all the circumstances to be a reasonable request, I nonetheless vaguely hoped that this time the death of two members of the family occurring so soon after the other would probably induce the authorities to give me the one opportunity I had in life of paying my last respects to Thembi. In the letter of application I expressly referred to the fact that I had been refused leave to be present at the graveside when my mother was laid to rest, pointing out at the same time, that approval of that application would have been a generous act on their part and one that would have made a deep impression on me. I drew attention to the fact that I had seen Thembi five years ago, and expressed the hope that they would appreciate how anxious I was to attend the funeral.

I was of course aware that 30 years ago the British had imprisoned a famous freedom fighter in one of the colonies, a man who later became Prime Minister when his country gained full independence in 1947.151 He was in jail when his wife’s health worsened, and when it became necessary for him to accompany her to Europe for medical treatment. British imperialism has brought untold misery and suffering to millions of people throughout the world, and when the English withdrew they left behind them countries which had been plundered, and whose people were condemned to many years of poverty, famine, disease and illiteracy.

This period forms the black chapter of British history and many historians have justly censured Britain. On the other hand the English are widely known by friend and foe for their broad outlook and sensible approach to human problems, and for their deep respect for men who are ready to give up their lives for a worthy cause. Often in the course of political conflicts with leaders of national movements in their former colonies, they were able to treat political offenders humanely, and to render them genuine and substantial help whenever necessary.

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