Introduction

The politics of the Transkei, the intrigues within the Madiba clan that destroyed unity, weakened those whom Nelson supported and strengthened those who collaborated, were matters of deep concern and even from his prison Nelson exercised whatever influence he could to the tribesmen who came for advice.

Paramount Chief Sabata, the nephew of his benefactor Jongintaba, the great-grandson of Ngangelizwe, who had collaborated with the British, had bravely and honourably rejected the conversion of the Transkei into a homeland. K. D. Matanzima, whose great-grandfather had refused to sell out to the British, and thus became a famous man in Thembuland, collaborated with the Government, deposed a people's hero, Sabata, and forced him into exile where he died.

In a letter written just when the conflict between Sabata and Matanzima came to a head, when Sabata, faced with the invasion of the Thembu palace by fifty police, and fearing for his life, fled the country. Nelson wrote:

I wish you could immediately phone and warn Jongilanga [Sabata] and family. He has an unfortunate manner of being slow and negligent in matters where he should act quickly. He should long have been here so that we could talk matters over. If he had given me that opportunity I would have advised him on how to be effective without exposing himself. His position would probably have been stronger and safer, and few people would have dared to touch him. I cannot discuss such confidential matters through letters. But I have previously warned him against the danger of staying away when many people with whom he has difficulties are able to put their own side of the story to me. Naturally I will do everything possible to protect him, even when I thought he could have handled a particular problem differently and nobody will ever use it again. Even with his current problem I am fully behind him and at Port St Johns I will work hard to turn the tables against those who dragged him into the dock. But are you aware that up to now I don't even know precisely what remarks he is alleged to have made in Butterworth of the law that is quite unsatisfactory? Nxeko [late Thembu Regent] was here on 15/9 and I asked him to see Jongilanga at once.

With regard to other urgent family matters, I was happy to hear that you visited Jongilanga. I was sorry to learn about his illness. The visit must have cheered him. If we succeed in bringing together the parties, i.e., rival factions, you would also have to be present so that you would tie up the loose ends in my absence. By the way I found it quite strange that you saw Mafungwashe [Matanzima's senior wife] at Qawukeni because I was also thinking about the matter only a few weeks back. It pleased me to note that you were well received.

Our dear Sisi [a cousin]

Our families are far larger than those of whites and it's always pure pleasure to be fully accepted throughout a village, district or even several districts occupied by your clan as a beloved household member, where you can call at any time, completely relax, sleep at ease and freely take part in the discussion of all problems, where you can even be given livestock and land to build free of charge.

As you know 1 was barely ten when our father died, having lost all his wealth. Mother could neither read nor write and had no means to send me to school. Yet a member of our clan educated me from elementary school right up to Fort Hare and never expected any refund. According to our custom I was his child and his responsibility. I have a lot of praise for this institution, not only because it's part of me, but also due to its usefulness. It caters for all those who are descended from one ancestor and holds them together as one family.

It's an institution that arose and developed in the countryside and functions only in that area. The flocking of people to the cities, mines and farms makes it difficult for the institution to function as in the old days. You and Winnie are up there whilst Leabie, Maki and the grandchildren live across the Kei. Can you imagine how I must have felt at Xmas and New Year when I could not send you, of all people, the compliments of the season? You, who is not only our sister, but a loyal friend whom Winnie and I love and admire, even though the two of you are always locked up in all sorts of nonsensical rows that you both blow up. I certainly will not again waste my time by trying to make peace between two big women who should know better than they seem to be at present. I had expected that both of you would spare me the countless headaches you had brought on me.

But the real aim of this letter is to let you know that you are still as dear to me and Winnie as the unforgettable day when you accompanied us across the courtyard at Bizana almost twenty years ago now. I have said it before, I repeat it here, that I miss the rice with seedless raisins you served to Winnie and me when we dined together shortly after our return from Pondoland. We think of you and pray that you may be blessed with sound health and that you may live even longer than the Old Lady did. It is against this background that, with all my heart, I wish you, the children, grand and great-grandchildren a Merry Xmas and a bright and happy New Year.

One of my fondest wishes these last fourteen years has been to be with you again, listen to your humorous stories, hear you make your many vows and then break them repeatedly. Do you still remember telling us that you'll never eat potatoes again? Also I have attended many services when I knew you would be asked to pray. When divine words come from you, they are realistic, simple and inspiring. But there have been times when you reminded me of Nongqawuse. When you prophesied that Sekwati would soon rise as Christ did. I still remember when you were at Twist Street and the Pretoria Temple when Libhebheke [Prosecutor Liebenberg] and Vanikeke [Prosecutor van Niekerk] reminded you of those unfulfilled promises.

Perhaps that had its advantage as it may have sobered you up and made the daily experiences of believer and non-believer the subject of your prayers even more than ever before. I was, of course, baptized in the Wesleyan Church and went to its missionary schools. Outside and here I remain a staunch member, but one's Church outlook tends to broaden to such an extent as to welcome efforts towards denominational unity. I have listened to sermons by priests of several denominations here - Anglicans, Dutch Reformed, Hindus, Methodists, Moravians, Presbyterians, Moslems and Roman Catholics. Most of them are eloquent and experienced men and some of their sermons have been memorable. I'm strongly in favour of a move towards the merger of all South African churches, so long as the doctrine of the new church is progressive and moves away from the rigid and backward dogmas of olden times.

Finally, all people throughout the world have, at one time or another, had clans and some clans were certainly mightier and better known in history than ours. But to you, Winnie and me, ours is the whole world, our umbrella, the source of all our strength and efforts; the navel that links us together as a family, that binds you and me, Sisi. I have not seen you for a long time, but this letter is a reunion and calls to mind all the lovely moments we spent together in the past. Winnie shares all these sentiments. I believe you have become rheumatic and that it is difficult for you to write. Dictate the reply to the children. Once again, a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!

Very sincerely. Your Buti

back to top