WHERE THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN
It always seems impossible until it’s done
Nelson Mandela Former president of South Africa
Never was so much owed by so many to so few
Winston Churchhill Former prime minister of the UK
TWO Fridays ago, a school hall was packed for its 70th birthday. Founded with fierce independence in 1948.
The primary school was bestowing an extremely rare award on a past pupil. Only the fifth time in seven decades.
The citation: “In honour of the courage shown in speaking truth to power and the integrity with which this was done. A true patriot.
“Our country owes a great debt to you for the crucial part you have played as a journalist and a citizen. You are a hero of our democracy.”
All had seemed lost – the state captured, stolen blind. But some remembered Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” And the walls of the criminals’ den came crashing down.
Winston Churchill could have been speaking about RSA’s investigative journalists when he said: “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”
On February 13, 2015, on this page: On the eve of a battle, against a vast French army, King Henry V moved among the campfires. Told his terrified men: “He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam’d.”
And “this story shall the good man teach his son” – as inspiration, forever.
A year later, January 11, 2016, on this page: I’ll never forget the story of Ndongeni. For his physical achievement must be one of the greatest by any teenager, in our history.
Many will probably ask: Ndongwho? I’ll tell you.
A brave young 16-year-old, who somehow managed to bring two horses to a ship anchored in Durban Bay, and set out with his partner through the untamed African wilderness, crossing 120 rivers, riding day and night. To call for help for a besieged army 960km away.
And, astonishingly, this Zulu teenager rode bareback, with no saddle, or even a bridle.
Both columns, above, ended with a call: For the Fan Walk leading to Cape Town Stadium to become a “Heroes’ Walk”.
A permanent passage through South Africa’s history. Rich depictions, true stories – saluting those who continue to inspire us.
On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, another hero succumbed. “An angel on the ground and in the air”, Anthony Allen was a paraglider who co-founded the Hout Bay Neighbourhood Watch – a pioneer of Cape Town’s volunteer corps, for which this city is becoming famed.
Will his stories die with him? Or live on?
So, for a third time, on this page: Let’s create a path – through our City, through our past. That honours our heroes. Who’ve earned a place, in that number, when the saints go marching in.