...of Rattray and Tambo

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We hope you are all well; we have read some disturbing reports about the weather across the country and have noticed some cold temperatures there. Bob continues to sit on our porch/patio, in a pair of shorts, every morning enjoying breakfast of fresh papaya, pineapple or mango - wish you were here!

This past week has been a sad one for the people of South Africa. Last week the famous battlefield historian, David Rattray, was murdered in his home during a gang robbery. Rattray was one of the foremost authorities on the Anglo-Zulu War and had written many books. He would give wonderful two hour storytelling sessions on the Battlefields of Isandlwana and Roarke's Drift, both of which he was the foremost authority. He and his wife had built a lodge called Fugitive's Drift on the edge of Roark's Drift battlefield and would host guests from all over the world. You may have seen the movie "Zulu;" it is the story of the Battle of Roarke's Drift. A week ago last Thursday was his funeral and the news said that over 1,500 people attended including a representative of Prince Charles and many other dignitaries. The police have captured two of the four who broke into his house and killed him, and one has already agreed to turn state's evidence. Rattray was only 49 years old and is survived by his wife and three sons.

The other tragedy for South Africa was the death of Adelaide Tambo, which happened on the same day as Rattray's funeral. She is the widow of the late O.R.Tambo, who was the former head of the African National Congress. Anyone who visits South Africa will fly into O.R.Tambo International Airport here in Jo'burg. The Tambos spent much of their lives fighting against apartheid. In 1964, O.R.Tambo had to sneak out of the country when he learned that the government was assassinating the leaders of the ANC. Adelaide also had to sneak out and spent most of the apartheid years living in England. She was regarded as the "Mother of the ANC" and President Mbeki has called her death "the loss of my mother."

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Comments

[Amanda]

Tragedy and Media
Wow, I had not even heard a word about these two losses from the US media. Granted I am not a newspaper buff, but it is amazing was does not make it into our news, and sometimes what does. Thank you for sharing this with us and expanding our knowledge of South African history! We are definately experiencing climate change here, but not necessary the global warming we have heard so much about in the past several years.