A former 'terrorist' has lessons for us in the UK
The recent parliamentary debate around terrorism highlighted an ongoing challenge. At the time of 9/11 a friend wrote from the USA, "We may need to deal with terrorism, but are we going to deal with it's causes?" The second part of that question so easily gets lost.
I have just spent six weeks, all over the UK, with Letlapa Mphahlele from South Africa visiting 35 Sixth Forms. Letlapa had became his country's most wanted terrorist during the time of Apartheid. He was commander of the Azanian Peoples Liberation Army who, in response to widespread killings of black civilians, had opted for "tit for tat" and authorised several massacres on white civilian targets. One of these was on St James' Church in Cape Town in July 1993 where eleven people were killed, and many more injured. An evil deed, if ever there was one. Yet the man I have come to know is warm-hearted, intelligent, articulate and with a great sense of humour.
Sixth Form students have been absorbed when living into the frustrations and humiliation that led to Letlapa's radicalisation. They hear how he had left home one morning, ostensibly to go to his African village school, but instead went into exile to join the liberation struggle. His book, 'Child of this soil. My life as a freedom fighter' gives great insights into what causes someone to take up arms, and drive them to such extreme actions.
In retrospect Letlapa recognises that the orders he gave were motivated by intense anger, a bad basis for any decision. He also acknowledges the wrongness of stooping to the level of those who were killing black civilians, thus provoking his anger. But what is even more telling are remarkable stories of forgiveness and reconciliation with close relatives of massacre victims. Students here asked searching questions about how people find it within themselves to forgive such deep hurts? They have also had 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.
So, what is the challenge to us, post 9/11, as we ponder the implications of Letlapa's experience? A white South African friend now living in this country wrote thoughtfully after meeting Letlapa, "I can't help comparing the current situation in our global village with that of South Africa two decades ago. Is the wealthy, privileged West trying to put up barricades to protect itself from those who feel marginalised and ignored? Clearly, there are people out there who are very, very angry. Are they simply evil, or are there reasons for their anger? As well as thinking about how to protect ourselves from them, let us also hear them, for their sakes as well as for ours."
NOTE: Individuals of many cultures, nationalities, religions, and beliefs are actively involved with Initiatives of Change. These commentaries represent the views of the writer and not necessarily those of Initiatives of Change as a whole.
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