How our history were
rewritten to suit those who want to erase it.
During
the struggle to safe the European continent of falling in the hands
of the Nazi's. Our grandfathers and African unspoken heroes, whom
have paid dear prices. They did not panic, neither run away from
their duty.
Every
man, woman and child of their time has made contributions unsung
today. Some were trapped with the carrot and horse trick, as my
grandfather told me. Empty promises of farmland (land that they have
previously lost), and receive in return bicycles.
Indeed,
who want to tell to his offspring, what a loser he have become after
fighting as brave men and women on the side of the Queen of England
and under the English flag?
They
fought hard and great battles at El-Alemein, Dunkerke, Dover, Italy
and deep into Russia? Yet they were able to tell you the exact number
of air-craft that got lost on the first day … 157 aircraft loses on
the first day, sound like a film or tale telling. The medium
Artillery Battery that saved and ensure Field Marshall Montgomery his
victory over General Erwin Rommel.
The
chase that went on deep into the Italian Alps, were in full swing.
My
question tonight is, why were there no medals, when such bold and
brave men and women of African origin, made these sacrifices? Why?
The
spirit of our elders and those that fought great battles, shall not
go unsung. This was not only a military way of denying fame, glory
and fortune, but it was a direct denial of who and what we are.
Hermanus
van Wyk, he is late now, once took the honour upon himself in
addressing a letter to the former League of Nations, known today as
the United Nations … after he moved out of the now known Northern
Cape Province, to Namibia. Migrating away from the white domination
of the Cape Colony. Giving up his Hottentot land as it were known in
those days of the Great Namaqua, that stretched deep into the Eastern
Cape, Outshoorn, and into the woods and mountains along the coast of
George, Knysna and the Outeniqua mountain range.
North
West were known as Griquastad by the missionaries, while the heart of
operations were in Kimberley, as we will learn on in this live and
death struggle, of our people forsaken today.
In my
book you will read about the letter to the League of Nations, the
long legal battle over Oap, Plot 29, Rehoboth issue, Rietfontein,
Walfishbay and other issues.
For
know those that want to weep Auld Lang Syne,
feel free and remember also Christmas 1944, with the singing of Oh
Come All You Faithful.
To
those Griquas who
dare to go where most Generals fear to set foot down, you are few in
numbers, that do solemnly swear to defend your National Constitution,
we salute you all.
Our
Nations have seen great tribulations my fellow brothers and sisters,
for the sacrifices born by our ancestors, those almost forgotten
today. Sorry to remind you about our beloved one's, of whom most are
no more, but have enter into the other side. Some of them still fresh
in our hearts and minds, some very near and dear to us in person. For
them we humbly request a moment of silence.
Thank
you for your mindfulness as African people, we need to overcome, how
hard and bitter it seems. Our destiny to the promised land has been
shaped, and from that no one can run away.
It is
as some of you might recall known as Kismet, Mukadir, or Qismah
perhaps, from this we can not run away, it is our destiny shaped by
those, long before us. This is how far the Griqua language have
spread, not an indication of a crisis. This mean, our challenges are
real and we have to stand up and defend it. No one will stand up for
you, they might seek a free ride along the way. The following
generation has not to lower it sights, in shame, neither in agony but
with awareness.
This
is what I understand from my history class tonight. Most were happy
that I took the hot seat. Learning by doing, they call it.
Another
Monday night fairy tale, for some perhaps … for me it is old habits
that dies hard.
Thank
you for a wonderful evening and opportunity, always a great panel. We
choose the world we want to live in. Whether you are agnostic,
believer, former believer, atheist, there is joy in sharing and
cynicism has no place. It is up to you, to build bridges, destroy
them around you or whatever you think might be a challenge to you.
Swimming stream up, is good for stamina and muscle building or taking
the relaxed path, down the stream do great wonders, but the history
of the Griqua, our Hottentot family, remain written in blood, pain,
tears and agony, because you a loveable people.
I
have swear to the G_D of my understanding and my people, I will take
no penny, nickel or a dime as my ancestors before me, that does not
belong to me, but our land must be return to us. If we the minority
are rejected our land on the size, or whatever argument proper to
deny us. We better reconsider our values that belongs to us, the
people of the great plains and mountains, rocky desert and milk-bush,
both from sweet water and salty pans. Your roots run deep.
