We let Winnie down, but we won’t forget

THERE is so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us. And so my mind wanders back to the graveside of Mam Winnie, who was called to rest recently. The close family members reverently, solemnly and gently threw roses and soil into the grave of their mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend of the poor and profound leader, whom South Africa has called Mother of the Nation.

Truly an expression of everlasting love?

We were bombarded with platitudes, praise, honour and compassion for this brave, tenacious, courageous ANC leader. Graciously and in character, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his grief and apologised for leaving her alone for long periods to suffer the worst form of cruelty imaginable. He warned those guilty of cruelty, hate, denigration and torture that their conscience will haunt them. Is it not true that when we think of conscience, we regard it as judge and executioner?

Opportunistic grabbers and robbers resting on self-made platforms were mercilessly felled by Julius Malema. He cut to little pieces their balderdash, with many among the ANC being the worst offenders. He called a spade a spade, and sometimes a hoe. He asked where they were, before answering his own question: they are here. Indeed, they are the same people who failed to support her when she was left to suffer alone, with thoughts of her children running through her tortured mind.

And there were many, indeed too many, whose conscience pricked at them.

Go well, Mam Winnie. May your soul rest in peace. You have left us with memories that will sustain, strengthen and lead. All those who loved you, and even those who hated you, will now stand up and say to all the world: “This was a woman” (Shakespeare).

R MUNISAMY Isipingo Hills