Letlapa 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. Their journey points us all to think more deeply about what is important to us in life and how to foster peace, justice and conciliation.
The sessions in UK Sixth Forms were held 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.
Sessions were held in 36 very varied schools. As well as school occasions we did 20 other events for non-school groups, often in the evenings in public places or in people’s homes.
The furthest North was with 45 people in the home of friends in Edinburgh. All these occasions were good, searching times. Discussion became focussed on varying aspects of this theme on different occasions. I wrote a reflection on the visit which explored six themes: (1) The price of the alternative. (2) Forgiveness. (3) Other motives. (4) The spiritual dimension. (5) Purpose for life, aged 17? (6) Perspective.
英語