Launching Becoming Charlotte
View the full book launch Gallery here By Zubeida Jaffer Times are challenging in our country and in the world. To become fully ourselves it helps to draw on inspirational stories of others and our own. I decided to write this book because I realised that the researched biography that I completed in 2016, was reaching […]
In Memory of Phindile Xaba on Black Wednesday
Zubeida Jaffer, Shepi Mati, Frank Meintjies and Phindile Xaba South Africa has come a long way from the dark day of October 19, 1977 when the Apartheid regime squeezed the noose tightly around press freedom. Known as Black Wednesday, the day has appropriately become the official South African Media Freedom Day. On that day in […]
A Great Man Buried in Simplicity
Archbishop Desmond Tutu led by example in both his life and death. His central message upon death was twofold: live simply so others may simply live and embrace all religious faiths. Lying peacefully in his coffin, he wore a plain white robe, black socks, perfectly polished black shoes, and an interfaith stole around his neck […]
Resting in his Shade – A Tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu
My heart breaks today with the news that a great tree has fallen. Our dearest Arch Tutu has left us. He waited to bless us with his presence for the last Christmas and then he passed onto the other world, gracious and free. He has been with us every step of the way for decades. […]
De Klerk poorly advised
By Zubeida Jaffer In his last days, Mr F W De Klerk appears to have been poorly advised by those around him. His statement has disturbed the psyche of our nation. Instead of bringing closure, it has unleashed memories that are difficult to process. It required a monumental effort from many to stop apartheid. And […]
In Response to the President: Reflections of a Freedom Fighter
By Ashley Forbes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s most recent intervention, though welcome, is not proportionate to the gravity of our situation. (President Cyril Ramaphosa’s letter to ANC members about corruption). In 1994 our people trusted their leaders to restore land and assets to the dispossessed, and provide education, housing and dignified work for all. I remember […]
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Haron and Biko – fallen heroes who died in September
Two dates in September are hard for me to forget – 12 and 27 September. On 12 September 1977, 42 years ago, Steve Bantu Biko was murdered in police custody. He was 30 years old. On the 27 September 1969, 50 years ago, Imam Abdullah Haron, at age 45, faced the same fate. Both deaths […]
“In Hope of Peace Not War” – Penn State University Africana Research Center’s 2018 Nelson Mandela Lecture
I delivered the Penn State Africana Research Center’s 2018 Nelson Mandela Lecture in Paterno Library’s Foster Auditorium in Pennsylvania, USA.
Charlotte Maxeke, ‘Mother of Black Freedom’
In segregated South Africa, Charlotte Mannya Maxeke dedicated her life to the struggle for women’s rights and education for all. Her pioneering role is only now being rediscovered and more widely reported once again.