REMEMBERING MICHAEL DINGAKE
Comrade Michael Kitso Dingake fondly remembered as A Great!
Talking to Survival International, Dingake said: “I got involved in the anti-apartheid struggle by joining the ANC-led Defiance Campaign of unjust laws in 1952.
ough born in Bechuanaland Protectorate [now Botswana], Batswana [people from Botswana] depended on the then Union of South Africa for education in the mission schools available in the Union; South Africa also offered employment opportunities for Batswana, in the mines, farms, private homes, and the booming post-war manufacturing industries.
One of the ‘Unjust Laws’ was the pass laws, which made black Africans virtual slaves in their own country. Africans were harassed wherever they were, in the streets, work places, their homes and were under permanent curfew from 11pm – they were not to be in the business districts or white residential areas after that hour! Africans had no voice in the affairs of the country as they had no vote. e white parliament made all the laws, which the ‘natives’ had to live under and obey without question.
e ANC was banned in 1960, but decided to defy the ban by operating underground. With the passion I had against white supremacy I followed the ANC underground, and went into hiding to serve in the collective that led the ANC underground. Five years after the ban I was redeployed to operate in Botswana. e surveillance of the South African security followed me to Botswana and in December 1965 their Rhodesian [now Zimbabwe] agents intercepted me on a train on my way to Lusaka for an ANC meeting. I was detained under emergency regulations and after 30 days in Khami prison near Bulawayo, I was illegally ‘deported’ to South Africa where I was severely tortured, and finally charged and prosecuted for sabotage and involvement in activities of banned organizations in the Republic of South Africa. My plea that I had been illegally arrested fell on deaf ears and Justice Viljoen sentenced me to 15 years which I served to the last day (6 May 1966 to 5 May 1981, no remission!) On release I was expatriated to Botswana.”
Comrade Michael Dingake was a dignified man. He was pleasant to be around. Soft-spoken, humble and quietly humorous. One time BDP invited him to a joint commemoration of his fellow struggle stalwart - Fish Keitseng - which was organized by the BDP and ANC. When we posed for photos thereafter, I shouted In that moment, MK almost joined in with a lifted fist. We all burst into spontaneous laughter as most people lifted their fists into the air while he held back. He then smiled fondly. (See the picture) Perhaps thinking “Ampore! what did I almost do?” Since that moment and for many other reasons, I will remember him fondly for a long time. My condolences to his wife and children, his entire family, to BCP and to all who mourn him. Take comfort in the good example he set for you by leading a life of honour. Rest in Peace, MK Dingake. When you meet Sir Seretse Khama, QKJ Masire and others in the land where legends are, smile at them fondly when they say “A e jeke!” Rest, MK. [MPHO BALOPI]