Peter Hendrickse, son of the late anti-apartheid activist and politician Allan Hendrickse, wrote this poignant letter about his dad’s legacy.
Allan Hendrickse – “Oh yes I know him/remember him – the man who went swimming on the White beaches…” This is a very common response I get from people over a certain age. They remember his swim at the Whites-only beach in defiance of beach apartheid.
I remember the husband, father, teacher, minister, politician, comrade, friend and Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab.
The loving husband who bought roses for his wife every Friday. He loved my mother, his friend, lover and confidante unconditionally. She was his biggest supporter and defender.
The daddy who always did his best for us even when his politics and church permitted no weekends to spend with his children. And so, his church and politics became a part of us, our family. We went to church assemblies and party conferences during school holidays.
He emphasised the importance of education, respect, hard work and good manners.
Respect yourself, your family and all people, irrespective of race, colour, creed or station in life.
As a grandpa, he made sure to attend the birthdays of his 13 grandchildren. He loved them “uncountable”.
As minister, he followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming minister of Dale Street Congregational Church (34 years), Chairman of the United Congregational Churches in 1972 . He ministered at Uitenhage Congregational Church from 1985 until his death in 2005. 54 years of ministry, not once drawing a salary from his churches. He also served another 12- 15 outstations in this time.
We went over the hills and in valleys to Baviaanskloof despite the floods “because the people are waiting for communion”, ending up stuck in the mountains for three nights.
Travelling great distances through the night, once from Upington to Steytlerville to serve communion.
When doctors wanted to admit him to hospital, he said, “Next week – I need to do baptism and communion in Hankey this Sunday” (three days before his passing).
The science teacher who believed in education for liberation. That a teacher needs to know the circumstances of his students. He told the story of “Jane”, a problem child in his class, in terms of her school work, manners and dress.
Upon visiting the parents at their one-roomed shack he discovered that the father was unemployed and sick, the mother a poorly paid domestic worker having to support her large family.
He bought Jane a school uniform which she had to “earn” by doing laundry. With ongoing encouragement and support, Jane became a model student, eventually captaining a sports team.
From his solitary confinement cell in Grahamstown prison (in 1976), he wrote to us after I was released from solitary confinement, “Peter, all other things aside now… So please study hard, all of you… You do your best and give attention at all times”.
Many forget that he started the first high school in Uitenhage for black students, at the request of community leaders, Limekaya High school. In 1975 he opened all “Coloured” schools to children of all races.
The activist from high school and Fort Hare, a delegate to the Malmesbury Convention, boycotter who became a member of the CRC, Member and Minister of the Tri-cameral parliament, ANC Senator and before his death, awarded the Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab in recognition of his contribution to the community and the struggle for freedom.
A preacher of Black Consciousness, emphasising the importance of self-respect, self-worth, dignity and pride – Black and proud, God’s children. Prophet of Hope.
Allan Hendrickse was a humble, forgiving and trusting person. Always saw the good in people. Believed in moral leadership. A man of exceptionally strong faith. An example worthy of emulation.
“When I look back, I say it has been worthwhile. Despite all my inadequacies. As a person, despite the criticism, attacks and character assassinations. Today I am still what I am. And while God is God, I will remain what I am. I am here, because I believe in the freedom of man, the dignity of every person and his right to live as God wants him to live.
Free at last! I am free at last” – Allan Hendrickse – 20 December 1993 (last speech in old Parliament).
You continue to live on in our hearts and minds – thank you, Daddy.
