by Madikizela-Mandela, Winnie; Kathrada, Ahmed; Kathrada, Ahmed
A million kisses and tons and tons of love.
Devotedly,
Dalibunga
LETTER FROM WINNIE MANDELA
TO NELSON MANDELA
26.10.70
Mfo Wethu,224
Although I still have had no reply to all my letters dating from the 2nd July, 3 August etc. I am writing once more. I was assured by Brig Aucamp that he had personally given you the letters but that to his knowledge there were no replies, that was just before our release.
Today I arrived at my shack at 12 noon to find the house locked. I was from my doctor for my daily treatment, then I decided to go and report as usual only to find Nyami in custody, arrested for staying with me allegedly without a permit. There was a slip as well at home for a letter from you which must have arrived after her arrest. The case will be on the 27th and mine on the 29th for an alleged violation of the order besides the appeal on the 2nd of November. My sisters and their husbands have been called for questioning and to make statements I understand for having visited me.
After bailing Nyami we went to fetch your letter. What a lovely surprise! Although parts of the contents were a strange anti-climax. It’s amazing how this pattern of gross harassment peculiarly coincides with so many other forces. I keep repeating that the infinitesimal experience of the brutal two years has made me completely immune to misguided calculations due to lack of touch with reality and present situation often due to the refusal sometimes quite unconsciously on the part of the old established order to accept the fact that ‘the old order changeth yielding place to the new’. Resistance to the position of rubber stamps is sometimes misconstrued and costly. I am quite aware that my original tactics have not always impressed the old order. They are no imitation of someone else’s. I believe with our unique problems in our country only history will prove those who are right, right and those who are wrong, wrong. Different situations have always needed different tactics. In an amused manner I am reminded of the Greek philosopher Socrates who once lit a candle in broad daylight and went from house to house. The Greek population was amazed and they asked if the great man was mad. When asked what he was doing he replied, ‘I am looking for an honest man!’
My views when I underwent that minor brutal test of the durability of my ideals and my experiences with the outside world now that I am temporarily out are such that I need not comment on the criticisms in Nyami’s letter. Time and history attends to such things. My only concern at the moment is that you should join us soon and you will be in a better position to diagnose thalidomide babies with modern stethoscopes and modern medical facilities. Any specialist who diagnoses a patient purely on the prescription and history of a medical practitioner or his own examination of ten years ago is tantamount to committing murder. I am not aware of the patronage of the mere handful, I only heard such remarks at Compol building under interrogation. What we know is the patronage of the black brotherhood of man, locally and internationally. It is the first time I learn of the inability to hold friends. Almost half the people mentioned in Nyami’s letter have security branch records which compelled them to withdraw if they wished to work and maintain their families or avoid leading the kind of life I lead in and out of court yearly. Bangilizwe and Vulindlela were interrogated, Nombulelo was detained, Leabie was detained, Tellie interrogated up to date, Ralangobuso was interrogated, Niki is daily threatened with loss of her job if she keeps visiting me, Marsh has already lost one very good job, Nali and Sef225 fled and their persecution started when they lived with me, Gabula fled after his detention because he lived with me, George was detained because of me, if Sally wanted to keep her shops the sensible thing was to keep away, Mohla and Ishy were banned and they left.
Whilst inside I received numerous messages of apology from your Ndlangisa and have had thousands such from such circles – in fact not apologies but more of confessions now that we are out and pleadings for forgiveness. There comes a time in life when history completely kills personal life. When one talks of pursuit of pleasure at times like this it simply reminds me of my six days and nights of interrogation and the fantastic photostat record I have in my mind of that experience. In one of your letters I said any man who leads a normal life in an abnormal society is himself abnormal. If it was a few years back I might have been surprised at these remarks, I’m no longer surprised by anything for I know I chose the life of insults, hardships, and tears which have long dried up – myself with the full knowledge that it was for the better or for the worst for my people.
It is quite illogical to anticipate a return of the 1961 atmosphere where my own sister, my own brothers have to appear in a court of so-called law charged with staying with me without permits! I was in fact not surprised that Nyami was picked up this morning after reading the letter. I need no chances from members of my family for the returns of such an atmosphere, I need to be left alone by those who are responsible for wanting to see both of us behind us – it is then that one could nurse such dreams. One paragraph of the letter is censored – what a pity.
I have not received any of the letters darling. My last letter from you was in June 1970 although I kept writing. I hope you received the R100 I sent you. Am so sorry my love I could not do this when I was incommunicado. Dad is seriously ill at King Edward Hosp. I dashed down to see him before my house arrest. He looked terrible and has upset me terribly. I also visited grandpa and grandma’s graves and mama’s at Bizana. Mpumelelo killed an ox. The whole MaNgutyana’s are praying for your return and predict that it will be soon. I visited Fatima226 we had a royal time. She gave me lovely books. She sends her fondest regards. She was refused permission to see you when she was already in Cape Town. Her eldest daughter is now doing architecture at Natal University. I spent some time on dad’s side although I had intended visiting many friends.
Our shack looks like it was hit by a tornado just within two years of my absence. We have to start from scratch fixing up everything if and when I get a job. At the moment there are no prospects at all. David A227 had written to find out if you have any requirements or whether you need financial aid. Before I was banned Adie and Paul228 phoned on behalf of everyone wishing us luck in the appeal and they sent their fondest regards. Mary229 sent a lovely telegram.
In a way during the past two years I felt so close to you. It was the first time we were together in similar surroundings for that length of time. Eating what you were eating and sleeping on what you sleep on gave me that psychological satisfaction of being with you. It does not matter if there is such meanness that you can hardly be given cards and telegrams, as you once said in one of your letters which I do not have – perhaps I’ll give you something better one day. A friend brought the girls for two days last week, they look terrible but will recover soon if we win the appeal. Zeni took things very badly and they were terribly affected by not returning home since my detention.
Zindzi is now a pianist so you’ll sing together my love! I expect to see you as cheerful as ever my love! Am still battling to see you once more darling and how I look forward to it. I have beaten you to it, I have more white hair than you now. The first day I saw a mirror in prison I did not know the woman I was looking at! With white hair at 36? The blue bags beneath the eyes are slowly disappearing.
Do you remember what you said at the Fort when I visited you for the first time after your arrest? You thundered at me, ‘This is not the woman I married, you have become so ugly’ and then you sent me a magazine on the ‘Reigning Beauties of the World – the Women and the Power behind politically successful men.’ Most of them were wives of the independent heads of Black States. I was furious – I had taken such a lot of trouble to look nice that day!
How I miss you Mntakwethu. Love from all of us my darling.
Forever yours,
Nobandla
LETTER FROM NELSON MANDELA
TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF ROBBEN ISLAND
1 November 1970
Attention: Major Huiseman
Some of the matters I discussed with Major Huiseman on the 25th October have been given attention, for which I am grateful. I now refer you to those which were either not dealt with at all, or which were insufficiently considered.
1. No information has been given to me as to whether or not a letter was received from my wife. I cannot believe that she has not written to me since her release on September 15, and I should be pleased if you would give the matter your personal attention.
2. (i) A letter from my brother-in law, Marshall Xaba, dated 24th August 1970 indicates that my children’s photographs and school reports had been posted to me sometime before the letter was written. Although it is now more than two months ago that the material was sent, it has not been given to me.
(ii) I ask you to reopen the question of the letter of 22nd April from Kenneth Stofile, whose arrival here was not only confirmed by two experienced officials of the Censors’ Office, but also by the writer thereof in a second letter written on 12th May, and which was delivered to me last June. It is unsatisfactory to attempt to dispose of the matter by merely telling me that there is no record of the letter. The circumstances are such that its fate should be known to the Censors. Please consider the whole matter against the background that there have been several other incoming letters which I never received, particulars of which I have given you on more than one occasion.
3. On 29th June 1970 I wrote to Jane Xaba. She is the same person who wrote to me in October last year, and whose letter I also never received. For an unknown reason the letter of 29 June was referred to Pretoria. Towards the end of July I showed a copy thereof to an official from the Censors’ Office who expressed surprise that the letter was sent to Headquarters since its contents dealt exclusively with family matters. On August 19 Brigadier Aucamp assured me that his office had posted it straight to the addressee. October 10, Mrs Xaba visited her brother, Fikile Bam, and informed him that she never received my letter. You will see from its contents that the matter was handled unfairly from the beginning, and I should be glad if you would allow me to send her a copy.
Would you be kind enough to give me a record of all incoming letters addressed to me that were referred to the Head Office during 1969 and 1970.
4. In the letter referred to in paragraph 2 (i) above, my brother-in-law informed me that he had renewed his application for a visiting permit. Has he been granted a permit and, if so, for what date? I am also informed that my mother-in-law, Helen Madikizela from Bizana in the Transkei, made several applications for a permit, but that she received no acknowledgement. In this connection I should be please if you would give me full details of all applications made to visit me since May 12, 1969, and which were not approved, and the reasons, if any, for your refusal.
Has a fresh application for a visiting permit been made by my wife?
5. On October 23 Lt. Nel informed me that no material had been received from Mr Denis Healey. On the 19th September the British Ambassador promised to send me the material, and General Nel had indicated that he would have no objection in me receiving it. In view of the undue delay. I should be pleased if you would kindly allow me to send a registered letter to the Ambassador reminding him of his promise.
6. The letter that I wrote to my wife on October 1 went astray before it had been posted. On the 27th October I handed in a copy with a request that it be sent by registered post. Please arrange for me to be given the registration slip as well as those for the following letters.
(i) To Makgatho Mandela dated 31 August 1970
(ii) Mrs ZK Matthews dated 1 October 1970
(iii) Miss Nonyaniso Madikizela dated 1 November 1970
You are fully aware of the circumstances of my family, with particular reference to the formidable difficulties we are experiencing in communicating with one another. I ask you to investigate the matter seriously and objectively, and to arrange for me to be given reasonable and respectable explanations.
I deeply appreciate the help you have already given me and regret that I have to add to your heaving pressure of duties.
[Signed] NR Mandela
Nelson Mandela 466/64
LETTER FROM NELSON MANDELA
TO THE HEAD WARDER OF ROBBEN ISLAND
24 Desember 1970
Hoofbewaarder Van der Berg
Hospitaal,
Robben-Eiland
Ek sal dit hoog op prys stel as u die twee aangehegte briewe aan die aandag van die geneesheer sal bring.
Ek het alreeds die aangeleentheid van my aansoek vir heuning met u bespreek.
[Signed NR Mandela]
Nelson Mandela: 466/64
[Chief Warder Van der Berg
Hospital
Robben Island
I would appreciate it if you could bring to the attention of the doctor the two enclosed letters.
I have already spoken to you about my request for honey.]
[Note from official in Afrikaans]
Ek is nie familie van die Donder nie. Ek het al herhaalde kere vir hom gese hy mag nie ’n brief aan my addreseer ie ek is ook nie die B/O nie.
[I am not family of this scoundrel. I have told him repeatedly that he can’t address letters to me. I am not the C/O (Commanding Officer).]
[another note from official]
B/O Sien D/G se nota op aansoek. Vir u goedkeuring asseblief.
[C/O See D/Gs note on the request. For your approval please.]
LETTER FROM NELSON MANDELA
TO THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF ROBBEN ISLAND CARE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
24th December 1970
Attention Medical Officer
My medical report will show that my blood-pressure has for several months remained dangerously high, and I frequently complained of headaches and dizziness.
I have been put on a daily treatment of 6 improved Rantrax (50) and 6 Aldimets, the effect of which is to make me tired and sleepy during working hours. On several occasions when I go out with the span, I have to ask the warder-in-charge, much against my will, to allow me to lie down both in the fore- and afternoon. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the pressure has not risen beyond the level it reached on 14 September 1970. On the contrary, there has been a slight improvement and even the headaches are abating.
I contribute the improvement to the treatment and the complete rest that I am having. I have explained my position fully and frankly to the Medical Officer, Chief Warder Fourie and the warder-in-charge of the section. Some time back I was ordered to remain inside for a specific period, and when that period lapsed, I returned to work, but fared no better. The headaches and dizziness reappeared as well as the feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. I stayed inside and immediately reported to Dr Going who promised to go into the matter.
I am restating the position because I consider it proper that you should be fully aware of my health condition, and I trust that in examining the position you will be influenced solely by health and humanitarian considerations.
[Signed] NR Mandela
Nelson Mandela 466/64
LETTER FROM NELSON MANDELA
TO THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF ROBBEN ISLAND CARE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
24 December 1970
Attention: Medical Officer
I should be pleased if you would kindly reconsider your decision rejecting my application for leave to order 4 lbs of honey per month on health grounds.
I have been shown your comment on my previous application in which you stated that I did not need the honey requested. You will recall that I had earlier shown you a pamphlet of the SABC which contained an address by Dr McGill. I drew your attention to some paragraph but missed the crucial statement contained in page 5 thereof which I am anxious that you should now read.
A perusal of my medical report will reveal that although I have been put on treatment with a higher potency, and although the rising of the pressure has been halted, it is far from being normalised. In re-examining the whole question, I ask you to bear in mind that applications of this nature raise
not only medical issues, but also those of psychology, etc. I trust that you will give me an opportunity to discuss the matter with you again if you consider this second application inadequate for the purpose of inducing you to reconsider your decision.
[Signed] NR Mandela
Nelson Mandela
OC230
The treatment he is on is the best that modern medicine can provide. Honey is not a therapeutic substance for hypertension. I therefore refer you to my previous comment on this matter. I am prepared to see Mandela at any time to recheck his blood pressure.
LETTER FROM NELSON MANDELA
TO THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE
13 May 1974
Dear Sir,
I should be pleased if you would treat this matter as one of the utmost urgency. I should have liked to have made these representations more than two months ago, but due to my current circumstances and the measured pace at which government departments are accustomed to move, it has not been possible for me to write earlier than today.
1
In this connection, I should be grateful if you would
(a) Grant my wife, Mrs Winnie Mandela, House no. 8115 Orlando West, Johannesburg, a permit to acquire a firearm for the purposes of self-defence.
(b) Request the Minister of Police to order members of the South African Police in dealing with my wife to confine themselves strictly to the execution of their duties according to law.
(c) Use your influence with the City Council of Johannesburg to relax their influx control regulations and to allow my brother-in-law, Mr Msuthu Thanduxolo Madikizela, and his wife to live permanently with my wife at 8115 Orlando West, Johannesburg.