Modise Phekouyane used to be an angry, hateful young man who considered Nelson Mandela a traitor. Today, he embodies forgiveness and reconciliation so that neither he, nor his former oppressors, will remain victims of apartheid.
Father Michael Lapsley is one of my heroes. I met him in Toronto years ago, when my AfricaFiles friends invited him to share his experiences. I was deeply moved by this man's ability to forgive, while he faces reminders of the assassination attempt on his life constantly. The letter bomb that was intended to kill him took both his hands and one eye.
Nadine Gordimer, South African author and human rights defender, died yesterday, at age 90. A prolific writer, Gordimer published over 30 books, as well as short stories depicting the consequences of apartheid and alienation. Gordimer was a member of the African National Congress, fought for Nelson Mandela's release, and once it was realised, the two became good friends.
