By Francis Quamina Farrier

In one of my early articles in the Pepperpot Magazine about Guyana’s new relationship with South Africa, I mentioned that Guyanese based in North America and the United Kingdom, are now going on tours to South Africa in greater numbers. Since the numbers continue to increase, I have decided to throw the spotlight on that ‘miracle’.

Before I go further, I need to remind you that this article is relating to Guyanese touring South Africa, before the COVID-19 arrived a few weeks ago, resulting in many countries closing down their international airports and airlines totally grounded, South Africa and Guyana included.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Guyana’s official position against the then racist minority government of South Africa was “HANDS OFF”, and any Guyanese who was discovered having any interaction with that government, be it business, culture or sports, was severely sanctioned. So for Guyanese in their mature age, the new South Africa and the fact that Guyana now has a High Commission, as well as Guyanese living in that country, is somewhat of a miracle, given that the apartheid minority government had all the war tools to demolish any local uprising in the past, which they did use even against children.

Among those I know who have visited South Africa in very recent times, is my former boss, Ms Mildred Lowe. She was the former Chairman of the Department of Culture, Ministry of Culture in Guyana. Mildred was one of a group of Guyanese now based in New York, who recently made a tour to the former country of apartheid. “South Africa is so diverse, culturally, ethnically, and economically, that it’s like looking at a puzzle with pieces which fit together seamlessly, and pieces which have spaces between them”, she stated. Sharing her opinion regards the people of South Africa, the veteran cultural officer said, “I was struck by their language ability. They speak at least four languages. Their tribal tongue, Afrikaans, English as well as French and Portuguese.”

Mildred also noted that cities in South Africa such as Johannesburg are all well landscaped and kept in good order. “However, there is huge neglect where the poorer people live”, she added. Moving around by taxis and minibuses, gave the Guyanese tourist an in-depth view of a wide spectrum of life in South Africa of 2020. She also experienced life in the air when she took a two-hour flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town which is located at the southern coast of South Africa. While there, she was extremely active; “The climb to the Cape of Good Hope was by the Funicular which took you to a point from which you could see the meeting of the oceans”, she explained. “From that point, you could climb another 1,000 feet via steps hewn out in the side of the mountain to the Lighthouse to have a 360 view of the awe-inspiring scene.”

Just six weeks ago, veteran Guyanese Broadcaster Hugh Hamilton and his wife Indira, also visited South Africa. The couple’s visit coincided with the Guyana Republic Jubilee Celebrations, and Hugh Hamilton was invited by the Guyana High Commissioner, Dr. Kenrick Hunte, to sing the Guyana National Anthem at the Official Ceremony at the Guyana High Commission in Pretoria, the Capital of South Africa. The Tenor was accompanied on the piano by Claire Hunte, the wife of High Commissioner Dr. Kenrick Hunte.

Leaving Pretoria, Hugh Hamilton and his wife Indira toured to other popular locations in South Africa. The well-known city of Johannesburg, as well as Cape Town in the south of the country, beckoned them, and they responded. The couple also included a ferry trip from the mainland to Robin Island where Nelson Mandela was held a political prisoner for 27 years. After leaving South Africa, the couple visited Botswana and Zambia before returning to New York.

Most of the unsung heroes and heroines who fought in the trenches so to speak to bring down apartheid in South Africa have been forgotten. The majority of South Africans know little or nothing about Guyana and the role this country played in bringing its Freedom. Fact is, most Guyanese also do not know. The presence of a Guyana High Commission in South Africa, and the tireless work of High Commissioner Dr. Kenrick Hunte is enlightening, not only the Native South Africans, but visiting Guyanese about that long road to freedom for Native South Africans, and the role Guyana played. Now the Guyanese are also free to visit a Land which their country helped to make free. Good has won over evil.