Anger over Sobukwe annual lecture snub
THE secretary of the ex-political prisoners’ association (EPPA) is angry at not having been invited to the Robben Island Museum’s annual lecture commemorating Robert Sobukwe, the first person to enter the category of political prisoner on the island under apartheid.
However, in his welcome address Robben Island Museum (RIM) board chairperson Khensani Maluleke made a point of recognising ex-political prisoners at the dinner, including Sobukwe’s nephew, the social activist Geoff Mamputa, who gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Sobukwe family. Stating his bona fides, Mamputa, who visited Sobukwe when he was having treatment while under house arrest at Groote Schuur Hospital, said: “I spent much time being subjected to detention terms from the late 1970s and the 1980s.”
Speaking after the event Maluleke said: “There were indeed some ex-political prisoners here tonight.”
Earlier, the secretary of EPPA, Mpho Masemola, said he was shocked when he heard about the function which was held in Cape Town on Saturday night and said: “How could they have excluded us? We are the main stakeholders. I am surprised that these kind of events are being held in our absence. These kinds of programmes should involve EPPA because they are a part of our legacy to the nation.”
The lecture at the Westin Hotel on Saturday night was delivered by Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, who asked why Sobukwe’s contribution to South Africa’s liberation was not celebrated.
Makgoba said: “While the apartheid government had a rationale to fear and suppress him, the rationale in today’s African-majority-led democratic government remains elusive and difficult to explain or comprehend.
“Let us remember that liberation icons or heroes and heroines are treasures of the nation. They are owned, and identify with, national aspirations or vision,” said Makgoba.