It's almost a year since our Joe Slovo departed. A leader who could challenge and enjoyed being challenged. A colleague who could broach any topic, no matter how sensitive. A man who preferred to listed rather than being listed to. Our NEC meetings miss his provocative thoughts and Cabinet meetings still feel his absence.
Young activists miss their commando and political mentor.
The painful reality is sinking into our minds. Joe Slovo has departed from our midst. Even as we discussed in prison the progress of our struggle, Comrade Joe's name would be coupled with those of Oliver Tambo, Moses Kotane, Yusuf Dadoo, Robert Resha, J.B. Marks, Duma Nokwe, and Moses Mabhida. We knew that on their shoulders rested the future of our country. Despite the warders' gloomy reports, our confidence in these leaders was unshaken.