‘Bra Stof ’ made a big contribution to the Struggle and democracy
IN THE history of the unfolding revolution for a better South Africa, our Struggle has produced generations of warriors.
Some were religious, some ordinary folk, some were intellectuals and many were drawn from a working-class background. It’s this mixture of the collective that afforded us a radical collection of views and interests.
Among those who rose in the ranks of the people’s struggle was Reverend Makhenkesi Arnold Stofile. Hailing from the hinterland of the Eastern Cape and from humble beginnings, he became a symbol of uncompromising activism.
Not only did he speak the language of revolutionaries, but lived it to the fullest. He did not hesitate to articulate the collective views of the oppressed in defiance of harassment, imprisonment and forced alienation from his family and people.
The death of Comrade Stofile, affectionately known by his comrades as “Bra Stof ”, encourages us to find solace in the meaning of his life and his voice of reason, driven by the commitment to carry the pain of those he led.
During the UDF (United Democratic Front) period he emerged as the undisputed champion for repositioning and alignment of anti-apartheid forces in the country.
He was among those who defined the new terrain of the Struggle by using legal and radical platforms.
With a constant and audible voice during the negotiation period that gave hope for a peaceful settlement, he was part of the core of comrades charged with the re-establishment of the unbanned ANC.
It is the likes of Stofile that could appeal and direct the militancy of our young lions, whose impatience knew no bounds and had no measure.
Post-1994, Stofile availed himself to taming the wild and largely corrupt administration whose purpose was to suppress development of the majority of South Africans.
Hailing from a Christian society, he followed in the footsteps of many comrades that defied the narrow imperialist missionary outlook that sought to relegate black people as servants of white people, taking away religious text-teachings about friendship, love and companionship by joining the liberation struggle to preach sermons of freedom, love and liberation.
Stofile was not just a member and leader of the ANC, he also earned his spurs from community activism in the church and sports development where he was fighting for transformation in the sporting codes of this country, so that all our young people can have equal opportunities to represent their country.
Young black athletes like Wayde van Niekerk, Caster Semenya, Akani Simbine, Anaso Jobodwana and Luvo Manyonga competing in the Rio Olympics wouldn’t be competing there were it not for the struggles waged by comrades like “Bra Stof ” who fought for transformation, which must be continued.
His love for the people, excitement induced by human progress and development, motivates us not to mourn his passing but to celebrate a life lived with joy, love, commitment guided by principles to serve. Zizi Kodwa is an ANC spokesman, writing here in his personal capacity