| Back |
EDGAR BROOKES |
|
The death of Mr. Sol T. Plaatje removes from us one of the accepted leaders
of the Bantu in South Africa. Many of us knew him personally, and are
sad at the thought that his genial presence and his flashing sense of
humour will no longer be in our midst to ease the strain and bitterness
of conflict. We shall miss his erudition, his readiness to give his best,
and his sterling spirit of public service. Africa has given us many such
men of ability and devotion, who have passed on to the more immediate
presence of the Saviour, in whose eyes all His servants are equally welcome,
and in whose presence our foolish human distinctions and prejudices look
as petty as they are in reality. We need not be ashamed as we turn of
the pages of history and see such figures as Khama, the model of a Christian
King and Moshesh, one of the most consummate statesmen abd diplomats in
the whole story of South Africa. We remember, too, the men who founded
Bantu Journalism and made the Bantu a factor of significance in the public
life of the country, the men who gave the Native African his place in
the new world of western civilisation so suddenly thrust upon him. Sol
Plaatje was one of such men and John Tengo Jabavu, of an earlier generation.
Another. We call to mind with gratitude Bantu ministers, such as John
Knox Bokwe. Bantu medical men, teachers and Councillors who have faithfully
served their day and generation. . . . In very different spheres, African
experience and tradition is contributing to the life of the world. Music
and Rhythm have, through Africa, come to America and thence to the world.
Simple African art, which use to be despised, is admired and studied by
some of the most significant artist groups in Paris. And yet Africa has
so much to learn and so much to do. Sol Plaatje himself realised, in spite
of his rich gifts og humour and learning, that his people needed training
in the stem battle of life. He took a leading in the fight against drink,
that scurge which has destroyed so much Bantu leadership. He did much
to encourage education. These activities were no less important than his
literary work. Perseverance, accuracy, solid hard work, ability to handle
money, ability to unite and keep united instead of being split by personal
rivalry---these are things that Bantu leaders must strive for. |
|