Open letter to the President of South Africa

Tena koe Thabo Mbeki,

I understand a nomination has been put forward for me to receive a South African honour later this year, the Companions of O R Tambo Award, on behalf of HART and the anti-apartheid movement of New Zealand for our work campaigning to end apartheid in South Africa.

I note the particular honour is conferred by the President of South Africa and awarded to “foreign citizens who have promoted South African interests and aspirations through co-operation, solidarity and support”.

We are proud of the role played by the movement here to assist the struggle against apartheid and I appreciate the sentiment behind the nomination. However after the most careful consideration I respectfully request the nomination proceed no further. Were an award to be made I would decline to accept it either personally or on behalf of the movement.

The full exchange of letters between COHRE and the city is now available in pdf, from the original letter to Sutcliffe to the city's response to the the reply to that from COHRE.

1 November 2007
International Secretariat
83 Rue deMontbrillant
1202
Geneva
Switzerland

Dr Michael Sutcliffe
eThekwini City Manager

Hi comrade,
I am feeling very excited,depressed and embarrassed
about the incident that happenned in your country.

Its very hurting that some people are depriving the
rights of citzens. What a shame? Tears are running down
my cheeks. Imagine old citzens and pregnant women
failing to enjoy their human rights. My soul is with you
in your struggle.

Our situation is better because violence is still quite
but nothing in the shops. The little that is left is very
expensive that we cannot afford.

We are failing to buy even a bundle of vegtables.
Continue supporting the Mjondolo ;one day God

Dear S'bu Zikode and Dear members of Abalhali baseMjondolo,

I have just read your description of what has happened, and I find it hard to believe. There is no point being long because you have written so eloquently that it would be impossible to do better.

This one thing though. How is this possible in the land of those who gave everything so that such things would not happen again, ever? Am I naive? Where have all those great voices which stood up for the poor, for the non whites? Where are they? Is it possible that there is so much work that they cannot be heard where you were?