Mandela: Let from a prison ON CENTENARY OF SOUTH AFRICA
AHUNDRED years ago today a boy was born who became an inspiration to the world. But, for 27 years, from 1963 until 1990, Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner by the racist apartheid regime in South Africa.
During his incarceration, Mandela wrote a multitude of letters to loved ones, compatriots, prison authorities and government officials.
At first, he was only allowed to write and receive one letter every six months. Even later, they were always censored.
Now, almost five years after his death, his missives have been brought together in a book The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela. Poignant and personal, these brief extracts give a glimpse of the man who finally walked out of prison a living legend.
ON September 26, 1968, Mandela’s mother, Nosekeni died and he was forbidden from attending her funeral. He was restricted to writing to those who had attended the funerals, offering his deep relief and gratitude.
To KD Matanzima, his nephew, a Thembu chief and chief minister for the Transkei region – 14.10.68
I last saw my mother on September 9 last year. After the interview, I was able to look at her as she walked away towards the boat that would take her to the mainland, and somehow the idea crossed my mind that I would never again set my eyes on her. Her visits had always excited me and the news of her death hit me hard. I at once felt lonely and empty. But my friends here, whose sympathy and affection have always been a source of strength to me, helped to relieve my grief and to raise my spirits.
To Zenani and Zindzi Mandela, two of his daughters – 04.02.69
My Darlings, It pleases me very much to see that all my children are doing well. I was happy to learn Zeni can cook chips, rice, meat, and many other things. I am looking forward to the day when I will be able to enjoy all that she cooks.
Zindzi says her heart is sore because I am not at home and wants to know when I will come back. I do not know, my darlings, when I will return. But I am certain that one day I will be back at home to live in happiness with you until the end of my days.
With lots and lots of love and a million kisses. Affectionately, Tata
To wife Winnie Mandela – 02.04.69
Darling, I was taken completely by surprise to learn that you had been very unwell as I did not have even the slightest hint that you suffered from blackouts.
Of the talents you possess, the one that attracts me most is your courage & determination. This makes you stand head & shoulders above the average & will in the end bring you the triumph of high achievement. You are in my thoughts every moment of my life. Nothing will happen to you darling. You will certainly recover and rise.
A million kisses & tons of love.
IN May, 1969, Winnie was hauled from her Soweto home in front of two terrified daughters and spent 14 months in solitary detention. In prison, she suffered anaemia, bronchitis and heart problems. During this time, the couple did not know who was taking care of the children and in what condition they were forced to live.
To Zenani and Zindzi – 23.06.69
My Darlings, Once again our beloved Mummy has been arrested and now she and Daddy are away in jail. My heart bleeds as I think of her sitting in some police cell, perhaps alone, and with nothing to read. It may be many months or even years before you see her again. For long you may live like orphans without your own home and parents, without the natural love, affection and protection Mummy used to give you. Now you will get no birthday or Christmas parties, no presents or new dresses, no shoes or toys. Gone are the days when, after having a warm bath in the evening, you would sit at table with Mummy and enjoy her good and simple food. Gone are the comfortable beds, the warm blankets and clean linen she used to provide.
Do not worry, my darlings, we have a lot of friends; they will look after you, and one day Mummy & Daddy will return. Then we will live peacefully and happily as all normal families do.
With lots & lots of love and a million kisses. Yours affectionately, Daddy
IN 1969, a telegram came carrying devastating news. Mandela’s son and first-born child Madiba Thembekile – Thembi – had been killed in a car accident in Cape Town, aged just 24.
To Winnie – 16.07.69
My Darling, I find it difficult to believe that I will never see Thembi again. I had seen him towards the end of July 1962, a few days after I had returned from the trip abroad. Then he was a lusty lad of 17 that I could never associate with death. He wore one of my trousers which was a shade too big & long for him. The incident was significant & set me thinking. As you know he had a lot of clothing, was particular about his dress & had no reason whatsoever for using my clothes. I was deeply touched for the emotional factors underlying his action were too obvious. For days thereafter my mind & feelings were agitated to realise the psychological strains & stresses my absence from home had imposed on the children.
We will all miss him. To lose a mother & a first-born, & to have your life partner incarcerated for an indefinite period, and all within a period of 10 months, is a burden too heavy for one man to carry even in the best of time. But I do not at all complain my darling. All I wish you to know is you are my pride & that of our wide family.
To the medical officer, Robben Island prison – 02.04.70
My skin becomes very dry and develops cracks on every occasion after taking a bath, a condition which worsens during winter. In 1967, the physician recommended that I apply Pond’s Cold Cream. I should accordingly be pleased if you would allow me to order, at my own expense, and for as long as is reasonably necessary, the aforementioned Cold Cream.
NELSON MANDELA: 466/64
To Winnie – 02.09.79
My darling Mum, You will be quite right to regard ’79