Introduction

Nelson, above all, is concerned about the education of his children and grandchildren. When he reached out to friends for help, it was nearly always with regard to their education. He felt that he owed each child and grandchild a good education and that his imprisonment had deprived them of that right. So he asked those who expressed their love and admiration and sympathy, and whom he knew he could count on. Among them were Helen Joseph, the Cachalias, the Meers, Benjamin Pogrund, Alan Paton and Peter Brown. From overseas Sir Robert Birley undertook the education of Zindzi and Zeni. David Astor and Mary Benson were always helpful.

He was and continues to be grateful to them and expresses thanks in his letters:

Wahali Fatimabehn. Even if you had not sent that marvelous telegram of 14/10, I would have been quite sure that you and Ismail would take care of the girls, that they would not be orphans as long as you were alive, that in Zanyiwe's absence there would be someone to whom they could turn when problems arise, someone conversant with our background, outlook, aspirations and dreams, one should add even our shortcomings.

1 November 1974

Friends in Exile

Zeni is doing a good job when she goes abroad. Her contact with Adie, Paul and Zoya arouses fond memories which form an important part of our life. I cannot help imagining just how different life would be if it was possible to write an unlimited number of letters to family and friends and to reach all those whose friendship and love give us so much strength and hope.

TO ZINDZI

Tell Dr Abdulla that I have not forgotten him and that a few years back the publication Alpha even contained pictures of his new mansion. I was only sorry that his own picture and that of his family were not included. I was friendly with his children and used to shadow-box with them as I waited our turn to be examined.

5 March 1978

TO WINNIE RE HATTINGH

With regard to Susan [Chris Hattingh's sister] I will send her a message of good wishes for her exams. That will be my contribution to your efforts to help her out of the shock of her brother's unfortunate death. But please do not mention the matter to her. I want the card to come as a surprise. I hope you immediately contacted David Astor and Gwen to arrange an overseas scholarship for a senior degree for her.

26 September 1979

Matlala and friends have sent you some cash for a car and I sincerely hope that our Johannesburg dealer will provide you with a reliable new wagon. My love and respect for our friends inside and outside the country has deepened considerably, I always shudder to think just what would have happened if we were all alone. We would have survived but the task would have been far more difficult. I have already informed the Head of Prison about Matlala's forthcoming letters. But I repeated my earlier promise not to write to her again.

1 March 1981

I think a lot about our friends, especially those who try to be of some help to you and the children. They are countless and I am grateful to all of them. I was heartened by the warm manner in which they responded after 15/5/1977. That response helped us to get through it all. What I had never expected was the fact that you could win friends from both sides of the colour line in that Province. Thinking about it now, I should have known that there would be people like Drs Moroka and Stofile, Molefe Litheko and the youth who soon streamed to the shack. But I must confess that I never imagined that you could be helped by people like De Waals, Van Aswegens and the late Chris Hattingh. The very fact that Chris offered you a job and waited so long while you negotiated for the relaxation of your restriction order was significant.

19 November 1979

You will p rob ably like to tell Ismail or Zamila about an article on leukemia in the Huisgenoot of 28/6 entitled 'Hope for Children'. It describes the work of St Jude's Hospital for Children in Memphis, USA. According to the article, since 1962, hundreds of children with leukemia from various parts of the world have already been treated free of charge. Hotel accommodation for parents is also free. I don't know whether they are aware of this institution, but no harm can be done by mentioning the matter to them. Please give them and the children our best regards. I sincerely hope that the child's heath will improve.

29 July 1979

TO ZINDZI

I will certainly not comment here on the very special memories the Johannesburg Amina arouses in me, except to say what you already know, that is, she always reminds me of an unforgettable chapter in our lives. I am writing to thank her for spending so many precious moments with you at the clinic. The Cape Town Amina appears to be an equally wonderful person and I suspect that a lot of talent and humanism lie buried behind her hubby's bushy face. Perhaps next time you visit Cape Town you will take a photo together with Peggy Delport and the Prof and his wife, so that I can at least have the pleasure of seeing them. It was a fine gesture for Mum to visit you and to drive you here on your recent visit. I will also like to see her paintings of the family when she completes the work.

29 June 1983