Just like my daily routine I waked up to open SA FM to hear the latest news, to my shock I learned about Lucky Dube’s death. I felt something like a slash hammer running through my stomach, I suddenly remembered a statement made by our former state president in the death of Chris Hani, when he said, “The killing must stop, behold our country has lost a freedom fighter who’s thoughts inspired millions of citizens.” I grew up in a house where reggae was Lucky Dube, gospel was Derrick Ndzimande, Umbaqanga was Soul brothers. Even the illiterate used to enjoy Lucky Dube’s music, I did not understand English myself in those days but Lucky’s songs took me out of the chair often. I even remember how we misinterpreted some of his songs, like “Nobody can stop reggae” (We used to say, “nabani une stove sagesi”). In MG they reported that Lucky was born in Joburg where as he was born in our province in Ermelo (aka Mlomo). I was reading his biography not so long ago, I learned a great deal of his life and came to the conclusion that really he was a true patriot.

The president continued saying the killing must stop, he called on the arm of the law to take its course. Yet it’s nearly 14 years now since Hani was assassinated yet the killing has not stopped. It has become fashionable. Our country needs an updated RDP of the soul. I wish the police could apprehend the criminals like they did to Waluz.

He met dead while preparing to go to stade de France as we all know that the Springboks will be playing in the final tomorrow. Our blood is green, I happened to be around Pinetown, everywhere I went I saw green, even at banks and government institutions. I have a reason to believe that they will lift the Webb Ellis cup and bring it home, just like they did in 1995, I was ten years old then. I wish them all the luck as they take on the English. To me It does not matter that they are white, I am not a tribalist, what I care about is that they are South Africans, as the freedom charter says South Africa belongs to all those who live in it. And also that Lucky Dube called on his song (Together as one) that a nation should unite.

South Africa has lost a son, who did not belong to the country only but an Internationalist whose music inspired the whole globe, whose lyrics brought change to many families. I remember songs like Slave, different colours, I also learned that after he realised the album Prisoner, 8 political prisoners were immediately released, showing the impact the song had in people’s lives. In those days we never had the freedom of speech Terror Lekota is abusing today (telling JZ that he is fool by singing Umshini wami). I am happy again that the Bok will do us proud, the likes of Bryn Habana, Percy Montgomery, Akona Ndungane, John Smit and other will bring the Webb Ellis home.

Sabelo G,