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Devan Maistry (24.10.1952–24.10.2024): Journey’s End in Faraway Wolves Soccer Town for Durban Activist-Journalist
Devan Maistry honed his skills in journalism and activism and passed away in the United Kingdom– a then picture and now aged 72 Wolverhampton, England, is 14 035 kilometres from Durban, South Africa—marking the journey’s end for activist-journalist Devan Maistry. Originally from the suburb of Asherville in Durban, Maistry passed away just two days shy of his 72nd birthday. Born into a family deeply rooted in community and sports, Maistry was the brother of Jeff Maistry, a prominent footballer who played for Bluebells United in the 1970s. The team, which competed in the non-racial Federation Professional League (FPL), attracted activist students from the Indian-based University of Durban-Westville to Currie’s Fountain…
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Pravin Gordhan: South Africa’s Political Icon and Unyielding Activist
Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, a towering figure in South African politics and a relentless advocate for justice, passed away at the age of 75, succumbing to cancer. Gordhan’s remarkable five-decade career, defined by his unwavering commitment to anti-apartheid activism and public service, left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. I knew Gordhan as a political titan—his activism reshaped South Africa’s landscape, starting in the 1970s and continuing through the 1980s. His contributions during the 1990s, a time of great personal sacrifice and political turbulence, cemented his legacy. His passing, 30 years later, sparked a wave of tributes, honoring a life marked by courage, humility, and resilience. Gordhan’s state funeral, a…
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Fatima Meer: A Life of Relentless Activism for Social Justice and Human Rights
A new biography, Born To Struggle – A Biography of Fatima Meer, chronicles the extraordinary life of one of South Africa’s most fearless champions for social justice and human rights. Written by veteran journalist Arjumand Wajid, the book details Meer’s lifelong dedication to the fight against apartheid and her continued advocacy for equality during the country’s transition to democracy. A Voice Against Apartheid and Injustice Meer’s activism was driven by her deep commitment to the upliftment of marginalized communities, particularly black South Africans and women. She tirelessly worked to combat the injustices of apartheid, standing as a beacon of hope for the oppressed. In addition to her work as an…
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Celebrating Unity in Diversity: South Africa’s Cultural Legacy and Heritage
Twenty-eight years into South Africa’s democracy, the celebration of the nation’s rich and diverse heritage continues to stand as a symbol of unity and cultural pride. Heritage Day, which debuted in 1996, represents more than just a public holiday; it is a day dedicated to embracing the multitude of cultures, languages, and traditions that make up the Rainbow Nation. In 1996, President Nelson Mandela honoured Enoch Sontonga, the composer of the hymn Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika, which became an integral part of South Africa’s new national anthem. Sontonga’s contribution to the nation’s cultural fabric was commemorated with the unveiling of a monument in his name. On the eve of the first…
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A spirit of hope for a brand GNU dawn for a new-look government of unity
SWORN-IN President Cyril Ramaphosa may have pulled off a master stroke when he reconfigured a truly multiracial Cabinet of newly-appointed ministers – including a dozen opposition MPs from the Democratic Alliance (DA) – a decades-long thorn in the flesh of the ruling elite of the African National Congress (ANC). The refreshing unveiling of the Government of National Unity (GNU), has however, been received with mixed feelings, with hardcore critics and commentators simply saying: too many cooks spoil the broth. Commentator Ann Bernstein says the GNU is packed with divergent views and predicts that the GNU growth and development will be white-anted especially on service delivery roll outs, economic growth and…
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Voting Time Returns to South Africa
A crowning glory for South Africa’s pivotal political celebration of 30 years of independence Quote: “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18 1918- December 5 2013). THIRTY YEARS is not a long time in a country’s road to freedom, independence and social justice, at least by world standards. Through a multiparty parliamentary system, the new republic emerged as new template for reconciliation and racial harmony. Now on the edge of its seventh democratic elections on May 29, South Africa is currently a portrait of a…
