Former South African liberation fighter Letlapa Mphahlele has spoken to sixth formers in 36 British schools this spring, 2005, during a seven-weeks visit as part of the ‘UK Schools Programme’.
He shared his personal experience. He had spent 17 years in his people’s liberation struggle during the time of Apartheid. More recently he wrote a book, Child of this soil: My life as a liberation fighter. At the launch of the book in Cape Town, Ginn Fourie rose to confront Letlapa. Her daughter Lyndi had been killed in the Heidleberg Tavern Massacre in December 1993. Letlapa had been the Azanian Peoples Liberation Army Commander who authorised that massacre. What has happened since is a remarkable story of forgiveness and reconciliation. The sessions in UK Sixth Forms were done interactively, with students having the opportunity to explore with Letlapa whether there is an alternative to the spiral of “terror” and extreme response of “the war on terror” that seems to be the hallmark of present times. As well as school occasions 20 other events were held for non-school groups, often in the evenings in public places or in people’s homes. Howard Grace wrote a reflection on the visit which explores the following six themes which features strongly during the visit: (1) The price of the alternative. (2) Forgiveness. (3) Other motives. (4) The spiritual dimension. (5) Purpose for life, aged 17? (6) Perspective.
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