“My father, my brother,’ my mentor, my everything”

‘MK’s single minded resolve was to play his part in the liberation of his people as a Pan Africanist. His world view was grounded on social justice, and it was this that channelled his anger against oppression and in his own words he was prepared to die fighting for black people. His commitment for freedom and justice claimed his deeper allegiance. His commitment to justice is aptly encapsulated in the title of one of his books: Better to Die on One’s Feet than Live on One’s Knees”.

This commitment was recognised by South Africa, when some years back, the former President of South Africa, President Mbeki, conferred on him the Order of the Grand Companions of Oliver Tambo. It was because of his conviction to freedom that he ended up serving 15 years imprisonment in South Africa for advancing the cause of the then banned organisation, the African National Congress (ANC).

‘MK’ was one of the key leaders of the South Africa struggle. He served in the structures of Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, and after Nelson Mandela was arrested, he assumed responsibility for MK operations, including the infiltration of trained MK cadres into South Africa.

He also assisted FRELIMO freedom fighters in Mozambique to prosecute their struggle. It was while incarcerated on Robben Island that he earned three degrees: BA in Politics and Economics, a BA Degree in Administration and Local Government Accounting, and a B.Com in Business Economics and Accounting. He was released in 1981, and soon after his release, he enrolled in the struggle for a better life for his people in Botswana. He also continued his involvement in the underground structures of the ANC.

Whenever I cast my mind back, I am struck by his personality and qualities. ‘MK’ was the very personification of discipline, principle and integrity. He was a renowned wordsmith. He wrote simply, beautifully and intensely. Don’t ever be deceived by his laid back and soft demeanour.

His was a demeanour of a lion resting. He exuded amazing calmness and a quick glance at him you could mistake him for a pastor. Like Dad, he spoke slowly.

He detested dishonesty, lies and coming late. He was not a saint though, unless you understand a saint from Mandela’s perspective who described a saint as a sinner who keeps trying. He had an inner strength that is difficult to describe.

On principle he was unbending. A light example will drive the point home.

Many years ago, at my sister Annie’s wedding, in Thamaga, a choir in a moment of euphoria sang that the bride was as beautiful as a coloured. Many of you here may know that song. He stopped them in their tracks! The song smacked of racism! ‘MK’ detested it!

His love for his family was deep. Mike was a loving family man. First and foremost, he forged a union of equals with his wife Mma Thembi. Both shared the same values and have been in the trenches together for freedom and better life for all. Both simple, humble and loving human beings.

Generosity of spirit and resilience are qualities they both shared. They have always moved together in thought and action. As a couple, they were totally committed to a cause they believe in and betraying such a cause is not in their DNA.

‘MK’ may be gone, but his tenacity, resilience, love for people lives in my beloved sister, Mma Thembi, and all freedom loving people here and beyond. If anyone doubts ‘MK’s commitment to gender equality, he must read his book: My Mother was a Woman that was recently reviewed by one of my all-time favourite teachers and literary giant, Mr Methaetsile Leepile.

MK was a symbol of courage and resilience. Today as we gather to celebrate the life of this icon of our people, and his indefatigable spirit, we are reminded that his passing is doubly auspicious; the seeds he planted seem to be on the verge of bearing fruit, in our lifetime, promising a harvest enough to feed the whole nation.

There are green offshoots mushrooming all over heralding what could be a year of bumper harvest, consistent with his vision. We hope the heavens open up and it continues raining as it currently does, so that these green offshoots can deliver what he struggled for all his life.

Farewell Sejiye, Motho Moleele Re Molela Tala! Robala ka kagiso Morwa -a -Dingake- a Dintwa- a Makwele – a Sejie Sa Ngwako!. All is well with my soul. I accepted it was your time to go. You ran your race as a humble servant of the people. I have accepted that as they say; there is a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born and a time die.

I will miss you sorely Senior. Rest in peace the people’s hero. Do take a rest Sejie, and don’t distribute forms enrolling people in the lime revolution you founded upon arrival in heaven.

I can assure you, my dear brother, in conclusion, that we, your family members – all of us, shall never dishonour the cause of freedom.

To this extent, it seems appropriate in his honour, to end this eulogy, by chanting, two mantra phrases ‘MK’ lived by: “Let Freedom reign”, “Let my people go”!

Robala sentle Sejie!

*Professor Justice Obk Dingake is Judge of the Suprement and National Courts of Papua New Guinea, former Judge of the High Court and the Industrial Court of Botswana