Wounded by liberators

The call by the current president for genuine leaders to raise their hands evokes bad memories. As I heard the call I could not but think of the outrageous treatment some of us suffered at the hands of the liberation party at the advent of democracy. Back then they thought they could afford to sideline and frustrate some of us in the civil service, thinking they had their ducks in a row.

My soon to be published book Who Am I (or its translation Ndingubani na ke mna kanene) contains the narrative of events in the civil service as the ANC came to power in this province.

Should those in leadership now read it they may understand why we who were pushed towards poverty and hand-tomouth existences despite our obvious potential are no longer able to lift our hands for leadership.

As one subjected to persecution by the new democratic order, I relay this narrative, not to denigrate the ruling party but to tell a tale for the benefit of our future, in the hope that current and future leaders never repeat such atrocities under the banner of freedom.

So often the powerful do not bother to verify the facts from the source but rather endeavour to silence the messenger for telling the truth as it is.

I appreciate the New Dawn and wish the leadership luck in its endeavour to resuscitate the country after the destruction caused by the Zuma administration and fellow travellers.

But the activities of the foot soldiers of liberation completely knocked any urge in me to put my hand up out of my sails. — Mxolisi Toyitoyi Dimbaza, King William’s Town