Guardians departing

RUTHMompati died at 90 with no scandal associated with corrupt leaders. Oliver Tambo would have been 98 years if he were still alive; he died at 74 after leading the ANC in exile for 30 years, without a scandal. Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki were born in 1912 and 1910 respectively, both died without a scandal.

Other stalwarts whose legacies do not have a stain of corruption when they were in leadership are Moses Kotane, Moses Mabhida, Jack Simons, Gertrude and Mark Shope, Reggie September, Florence Mophosho, Flag Boshielo, Joe and Ruth Slovo, Robert Sobukwe, Steve Biko, Onkgopotse Tiro and many SASO and UDF comrades like Archie Gumede, Gert Sibande, John Nkadimeng, Ray Alexander, Stephen Dlamini, Oscar Mpetha, Ray Mhlaba, Frances Baard, Billy Nair and Harry Gwala.

Former SASO leaders like Tiro, Frank Chikane, Terror Lekota, Mamphela Ramphele, Saths Cooper, Joel Netshitenzhe, Valli Moosa, Jakes Gerwel and 1976 generation leaders like Murphy Morobe, Eric Molobi, Joe Phaahla, VJ Ramlakan became esteemed leaders.

Ben Turok said this about Mompati: “She had no time for gossip. She was never one to aspire for office or material gain.”

One by one, veterans, stalwarts and political icons are departing. We are left with Jacob Zuma, Mac Maharaj and Andrew Mlangeni (friends of Brett Kebble), who are not emulated by those who advance a good corporate agenda. Ahmed Kathrada resigned from the Integrity Committee, a lapdog structure used by President Jacob Zuma to fight his enemies like Pule Mabe.

The departure of Mompati is a call for Thabo Mbeki, Zola Skweyiya, Barbara Hogan, Trevor Manuel, Bridgitte Mabandla, Mendi Msimang, Valli Moosa, Mkhuseli Jack, Morobe, Chikane and Barney Pityana to go back to the structures to revive the “true” ANC in honour of Mompati, who has joined the ANCWL in heaven, ready to give a report to Bertha Gxowa, Fatima Meer, Helen Joseph, Adelaide Tambo and Ruth First about how corruption is on the rise since Zuma took over. Mompati’s memory will live long if the ANC rediscovers its morality by defending Mxolisi Nxasana and Thuli Madonsela.

Going through archives of the ANC in our university, Fort Hare, as a history student, I wonder what Zuma will say about Mompati; will he say, “since your departure, Mam Ruth, I am rediscovering my soul”?

When the cat is away, rats come out to eat with impunity. The death of Mompati will encourage thieves to eat more because guardians are departing. Barrington Bhonco

Mooi River