Mandela was no sellout says former guard
FORMER personal bodyguard number one to the global icon, Nelson Mandela has lashed out at those describing the first democratically elected President as a sellout.
Gqokinsimbi Qwabe, who provided security to the former head of state from 1995 to 2003, said it pained him to hear people trying to score political points at the expense of a man who gave up his life for the liberation of all South Africans.
Qwabe was delivering a Nelson Mandela lecture, held at the Ngwelezana Community Hall.
The lecture was organised by the King Cetshwayo ANC Branch as part of commemorating Madiba’s centenary.
‘People must always remember that Madiba did not only fight against white domination, he also fought against black domination. As someone who was his bullet catcher, I know for a fact that Madiba was no sellout,’ he said.
A trained Umkhonto Wesizwe soldier, ‘Nsimbi’ as he is affectionately known, also expressed his dismay at the level of corrupt activities ravaging the country, saying this is not what Madiba struggled for.
‘I regard myself fortunate to have worked closely with Madiba and I’m happy with the work I did as mandated by my organisation, the ANC, to guard him until 2003 when I was assigned here in KZN.
War torn
‘Yes, there were life threatening moments while we were discharging our duties, especially when we travelled in war torn countries such as Burundi and the DRC, to negotiate peace deals.
‘The feeling of knowing that Madiba’s safety was in my hands, was unbelievable. Of course we worked as a team of dedicated individuals.
‘I remember a friend of mine, who was tasked to guard the late Chris Hani, weeping openly, blaming himself for not being there when the tragedy occurred. In his mind, he had failed to discharge his duties diligently. He was not interested in the circumstances leading to Hani’s assassination. His point was, he is the one who was supposed to catch those bullets. This was the nature of our work.
‘With Madiba it was worse because he would persuade us as close protectors to give people a smile when removing them around him and that alone was the most challenging task. Madiba was so kind, he would invite us to bring our families during Christmas gatherings.
‘One lesson I learnt from Madiba was his passion for education. He valued education so much that, even after his retirement from politics, he encouraged the private sector to build many schools, which today are being destroyed.
‘He inspired me to study, as I now hold a degree in Security Management. I also studied crime prevention courses through Unisa and Wits. He used to say to us before getting his degree, he failed a number of times, but never gave up until he obtained what he wanted.
‘Let us use Madiba’s ideals and teachings to move South Africa forward,’ said the Empangeni born Qwabe.