21-year-old Vito Jekera and 19-year-old Gcinumthetho Khethokuhle Mthunzi from St Albert School in Johannesburg were among those who made the journey to Cape Town. The lessons from the former political prisoners were inspiring. They told us that during the time of apartheid they fought for the freedom of Africa as a whole. They also told us that they shared the cells with people from other countries like Namibia. They said Robben Island was a school of life during their days, said Jekera.
It was the first time that the youths had been on a plane. Jekera encouraged the youth of his home country not to lose hope. The student said Zimbabwes freedom, was stolen by Robert Mugabe who hid it in his pocket. Mthunzi said:The former prisoners told us they fought for freedom and human dignity. They also stated that they fought for ubuntu (humanity). That humanity is for all human beings. We will break the barrier and be free from discrimination and xenophobia. The sea was the barrier for prisoners to their freedom and they broke it. We have to embrace cultural and language diversity. They taught us that they fought for the restoration of human dignity.
The headmaster of St Albert School, Alpha Zhou, who accompanied the students, said the journey was interesting. It was good to include the children from a refugee school like ours. The discussion on xenophobia was done on causes and long term solutions. My pupils also did well in these robust debates. It was also great to hear from people who fought against all forms of discrimination including xenophobia.
Post published in: News