Cape Town – The African National Congress on Sunday expressed its sadness at the death of Reverend Cedric Radcliffe Mayson who had played a key role in the anti-apartheid struggle as well as in the faith community in South Africa.
The ANC announced that Mayson died on Saturday following an illness.
Mayson was born in the United Kingdom in 1927 and came to South Africa as a Methodist Minister in 1953.
He served as a Minister in the Methodist Church from 1953 until 1974 whole he also served as a full-time member of the Christian Institute from 1974 until 1977. The Institute initiated the KAIROS document.
“Reverend Mayson was banned in 1977 when the Christian Institute was banned along with Dr Beyers Naude and Rev Theo Kotze,” the ANC said.
“He was detained twice, the first on his honeymoon in 1976 and the second in November 1981, He was subsequently charged with High Treason.
“In February 1983 he fled to the UK after the judge had granted him bail when the state had not been able to prove its case to the court. While he was in exile he served the interface between political and religious groups, and did much travelling and work with and for the ANC in exile.
“On his indemnity in 1991 and return to SA in 1992, he served with the Faith and Mission department of the South African Council of Churches. His last post was with the Religious desk of the ANC as the Convener of the Commission for Religious Affairs. He was also involved in the World Conference for Religion and Peace.”
According to the ANC, Mayson was the author of three books and many articles as well as being the Host of the Religious Progamme Credo for two years at the SABC.
“The African National Congress sends its condolences to his wife Penelope (Thandi), Sons Andrew, Tim, Peter, David, daughters Kim, Phillipa, Jude (Bongi) and Laura and Mayson family at large. Reverend Mayson lived a remarkable life dedicated to his faith and the struggle of the South African people. May his soul rest in everlasting peace.” - ANA