Poswa was humble leader

Bra Tswayi wanted to serve people, not to fight for positions

I’m writing this tribute to console the family of Struggle hero Mzwandile “Tswayi” Poswa.

He was an unsung hero in the fight for democracy.

Bra Tswayi, as he was affectionately known, joined the Struggle at a tender age while still in high school as a member of Cosas. He became the organisation’s chairperson in the Albany district and was part of the regional leadership.

He also participated in youth and civic structures around Grahamstown (now Makhanda) and Albany district in the 1980s. His activism would soon catch the attention of the then security police and he was arrested under the state of emergency in 19861988.

Upon his release, Cde Poswa completed his matric and in 1989 he registered at Forte Hare University where he continued with his political activism, this time behind the banner of Sansco and later Sasco.

The following year, in 1990, he registered at Rhodes University and became Sansco secretary there.

When the ANC was unbanned, he became one of the new generation of activists to swell its ranks and participated in its leadership structures.

In 1993/94, he relocated to East London where he started his own newspaper.

Cde Poswa was never interested in factions within the ANC. He preferred serving his people more than chasing after positions. He also stood firm against corruption.

In Bra Tswayi, the people of the Eastern Cape have lost a mentor, a pillar and a humble leader. I appeal to ANC provincial executive, through its chairperson Cde Oscar Mabuyane, to honour this selfless servant by naming one of Fort Hare auditoriums after Mzwandile Poswa.

Poswa will will be buried today in Mdantsane, after a funeral service at Nondlwana Methodist Church in Unit 6.

May his family find comfort during this difficult period and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Sohlala sikukhumbula

Radebe.