When Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 one of the first people he wanted to see was his friend, Nadine Gordimer. Her words had touched him while he was in prison – they had also touched the hearts and minds of so many other people all over the world.
Gordimer’s death on Sunday has left the world mourning the loss of an influential voice, a woman who stood for equality, justice and freedom.
Gordimer, South Africa’s literary giant, was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1991.
While the rest of the world was lauding her books, the apartheid government was banning them – three of her novels were outlawed.
Tributes received since news of her death was announced reveal her to have been so much more than a gifted writer – she was a courageous South African devoted to seeing the country flourish.
President Jacob Zuma described her as “a great patriot, a renowned writer and an outstanding voice for equality and freedom”. Playwright John Kani has praised her devotion to using her writing to oppose injustice, to stand for the truth.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said: “She presented her stories in an unthreatening and accessible way, subtly and believably igniting the flicker of anti-apartheid consciousness in the legions of her diverse readers.”
Anti-apartheid activist Ahmed Kathdrada said she openly made known her beliefs regardless of who was going to disagree or be unhappy.
Gordimer was a powerful anti-apartheid voice who was opposed to injustice and censorship and campaigned for free speech throughout her life. Her devotion to finding and exposing the truth, no matter how difficult it was to face, is part of what attracted readers across divides.
It’s important to remember our country’s stalwarts and carry their legacies with us.
The Cape Times mourns Nadine Gordimer’s death, honours her contribution to building South Africa’s democracy and celebrates her life and her many accomplishments. Gordimer and her ideals live on through her words.