23. Andrew Mandla Masondo
Chapter 23 Andrew Mandla Masondo Andrew Masondo1 is an ANC veteran from the Eastern Cape who was introduced to politics at an early age by his mother. A brilliant student, Masondo was active at Fort Hare University, working with Govan Mbeki recruiting in the rural areas. However, the young man was keen to participate in MK's sabotage campaign, and was arrested and sentenced to imprisonment on Robben Island for carrying out one such action, against the orders of Mbeki. His recollection of life on Robben Island covers relations with common-law prisoners, the gangs on Robben Island, relations with the PAC and members of other organisations on the Island, political education on the Island, and the struggle for better conditions on the Island. I was born on the 27th of October 1936 at Number 68 Grey Street, Sophiatown. My father was Emmanuel Alois Masondo, who was born in the Nkandla area, Ethalaneni. I belong to the Mthethwa clan, boNyambose, boMasondo, balandele isondo lenyamazane. My grandmother was MaMkhwanazi. My grandfather was Jopha. My father's siblings were sixteen – the family was Roman Catholic – but most of my aunts died, and when I grew up, four of the males were left. My father's eldest brother, Solomon Masondo, stayed in Edendale, Pietermaritzburg. The second eldest, Raphael Masondo, stayed in Clermont, Durban. My father's youngest brother, Thomas Masondo, stayed with us in Johannesburg for a short time. My paternal grandparents died quite early, when my parents were young. My father was brought up by Elliott Masondo, who was a brother to their father Jopha.
[Show full text]