Fighter for new ideas

WHEN it’s April, I am reminded of the untimely death of my comrade, confidant, friend and colleague, uSibali wam, Nkosikhona “Nkosi” Sothiya.

In life I’ve never been as close to a person whom I met in the struggle and workplace. UJola, uQengeba, uMphankomo, uMpondomise, left with out notice.

He was a general and a commander of his forces. A humble soul, generous person, committed servant of the people, friend of the poor, friend of the most vulnerable and a fearless fighter for the workers.

I miss him particularly when new ideas must be generated for transformation.

Nkosi was one of the rare breed in our generation, always ready to sacrifice all for the benefit of other people. Indeed he even sacrificed his life so that workers would be taken seriously.

Nkosi, the architect of the Student Financial Assistance Scheme for vulnerable youth, the brains behind the Miss O R Tambo beauty pageant, the general of Abuja.

He was an academic who always pushed himself to study every year. Yet how I miss that holy soul who always acknowledged other people’s performance. He played his part in the ANC struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.

A man of integrity who was so annoyed by corruption.

Enkosi, Nkosi. South Africa is not yet free, the land is not yet ours, education is not yet free to all, the economy is still in the hands of a few, infrastructure is still not enough for the poor, corruption is still rife in government – including in municipalities, workers are still under siege from employers.

Please, Nkosi, carry on with the fight to liberate South Africans.

Rest in Eternal Peace, Nkosi, Mthakathi, Nja yam. — Phendule Mbewu, via e-mail