GWAYI TYAMZASHE

The subject to which I ask your attention for a few minutes is the usefulness and importance of Associations of this kind. The origin of this Society is remarkable as having been started by the natives themselves independently of any European assistance. This shows that the Natives here and in the Old Colony are now beginning to awake out of the slumber of many years. The Imbumba Society of Port Elizabeth with all of its various Branches, The Native Educational Association, and many other Mutual Improvement and Benefit Societies show the present feeling of the more enlightened natives in the Colony. They know that the white man cannot do everything for them. They see the necessity of their striving to secure their interests; that this is a proper course to be followed by every people that would rise in civilization. Another man can help you forward in many ways but you cannot expect him to do every thing for you or to go the length of managing your affairs. However, it does not seem to be an easy thing after all, to help yourself after you have been helped half way. It is with civilization as with Christianity. We do not do our part after we have been rescued from danger. It is as if the rescued one expects the helper to do everything for him.

- Gwayi Tyamzashe, "A Native Society at Kimberley", The Christian Express, April 1, 1884.