|
In the ANC’s second decade in power, sycophantic ideologues
are rewriting South Africa’s history.
Rewriting history is a normal, healthy
and natural process of course.
The bias and blindspots of past historians of different cultures do need
to be corrected and filled in. Our past needs to be seen from a different
angle. But . . .
when history is rewritten simply to embellish present power
and belittle the truths of the past, the process needs to be firmly
corrected.
One way of doing so is simply to present incontrovertible
evidence. Helen Suzman did just this in
2007 when the feats of Luthuli were being presented by the SABC and several
writers in a racial and illiberal light.
Here is a photostat of the letter Luthuli wrote to her during the heat
of the struggle against Apartheid in 1963.
ALBERT
JOHN LUTULI.
Groutville
Mission,
P/Bag, P.O. Groutville.
6th May, 1963
Dear Mrs. Suzman
I take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation and
admiration for your heroic and lone stand against a most reactionary
Parliament, the Parliament of the Republic of the Union of South Africa. I most heartily congratulate you for your
untiring efforts in a situation that would frustrate and benumb many.
In moments of creeping frustration and tiredness, please
pick courage and strength in the fact that thousands of South Africans,
especially among the oppressed section, thank God for producing Helen, for her
manly stand against injustice, regardless of consequences.
For ever remember, you are a bright Star in dark Chamber,
where lights of liberty of what is left, are going out one by one.
This appreciation covers your contribution since you entered
Parliament as member of the Progressive Party.
This meritorious record has been climaxed by your fittingly
uncompromising stand in the rape of democracy by Parliament in the debate that
made law, which was one of the most
diabolic bills ever to come before Parliament.
Not only ourselves - your contemporaries - but also posterity will hold you in high esteem. Yours very truly
(signed)
A.J. LUTULI |
