This sad story was culled from the BBC online, i forgot to give them credit.
Coach
Original Message -----
From: Pasamba Jow
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 12:46 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Govan Mkeki dies
Govan Mbeki dies
Govan Mbeki after his release from prison in 1987
Tributes have begun coming in for Govan Mbeki, hero of the anti-apartheid struggle and father of the South African president, who has died at his home in Port Elizabeth aged 91.
Mr Mbeki spent almost 25 years imprisoned on Robben Island, alongside Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress.
Govan Mbeki
Born July 1910
Joined ANC 1935
Graduated University of Fort Hare 1936
Elected ANC National chair 1956
Jailed for life 1964
Released 1987
Retired 1999
In a statement, former president Mandela said he was inspired by Mr Mbeki.
"We salute a comrade, a friend, a leader in struggle, one of the intellectuals of the movement." he said.
The ANC described Mr Mbeki as "a man of rare qualities of selflessness and utter devotion to the cause of the oppressed." Whilst the South African Communist Party of which he was also a member said he was a "giant".
Deep disagreements
The late Mr Mbeki belonged to a generation of ANC leaders who spent almost their entire lives fighting against apartheid and who, in their later years, were able to see their dreams realised.
He came from a generation of leaders who saw their liberation dreams realised
In the 1940s and 50s he rose up the ANC ranks, and strengthened its position in his native Eastern Cape.
In the 1960s he stood beside Nelson Mandela and others at the Rivonia trial. There then followed a quarter of a century in prison on Robben Island. He was released in 1987.
During these years, Govan Mbeki and Nelson Mandela sometimes had deep disagreements on how the struggle should proceed.
Very much an intellectual, Govan Mbeki took more of a hardline revolutionary approach than some other ANC leaders.
Sorely missed
The head of the Methodist Church Bishop Mvume Dandala said the holding of the racism conference in South Africa at the time of Mr Mbeki's death is a fitting tribute to the ideals he fought for.
The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is attending the Durban meeting, also paid tribute.
Walter Sisulu another ANC veteran jailed with him said Mr Mbeki was a generally reserved but hard working man.
The late Mr Mbeki had a reputation as an austere, frugal man with great integrity.
Asked recently how he felt about the fact that his son Thabo Mbeki was now president, he replied that he felt fine, not because Thabo was his son, "but because he was someone who could carry on with the work of the ANC."
He was married to Epainette but it is understood they have lived separately in the last few years.
Mr Mbeki is survived by three sons and a daughter.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
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