My wife is around, Benjie and thank you for making it possible for her to come.
The tobacco supplies are coming in regularly with books and records. Also, I have received all the books pertaining to my studies, except books on Social Philosophy. Not one on this list has arrived. If it is because they are unobtainable, then don’t worry, Benjie. The prescribed textbooks will do.
Thanks for news about Prof Matthews. He’s right, he did give me some such advice.
Yes, I enjoyed the Hoover Institution books and will be happy indeed to get more.
I was surprised to learn you found my letter reflecting a mood of depression. I probably wrote it on a day I wasn’t feeling too bright. But you can rest assured depression is not my regular mood.
I haven’t received “The Observer” yet. But since so much trouble appears to be involved I don’t think you should bother about it further.
Incidentally, I have just read Gordon Winter’s report on the interview he had with me in Pretoria Prison in October 1962.53 It was my first contact with it and I found it an outstanding piece of imaginative writing.
I am glad you found my [The remainder of letter is missing.]
Benjamin Pogrund
to Robert Sobukwe,
1 September 1964 (Ba2.36)
My dear Bob,
I was so glad to hear from you again, and to know that you are keeping well and in good spirits.
Your concern about the divorce is much appreciated. I regretted having to break the news to you. But unfortunately it is a fact which cannot be avoided. One can only try and resolve not to make the same mistakes in the future.
The non-arrival of the London “Observer” is baffling. I have reported it to the donor who asks me to convey his apologies to you again. The subscription was definitely taken out months ago, and we are determined to ensure that the paper reaches you. The matter is again being taken up.
The non-arrival of the Social Philosophy books has also surprised me. My difficulty is that I no longer have the lists of subjects and books which you gave me, as I handed them out. But speaking from memory, wasn’t your brother-in-law supposed to be getting these books? I seem to recall your telling me this. If I am wrong, can you please send me a list of the needed books and I will attend to it immediately.
Have all the other books arrived safely? And how are you doing with your studies? Are you able to concentrate on the books?
Also, how are you placed for reading material? You know that if you want more reading books, you have only to advise me and I will send down a carton-full.
I was glad to note that the cigarettes, records etc., are arriving regularly. Are the supplies of fruit also being maintained, and is the quality satisfactory? A few weeks ago I arranged for the fruit to be continued for another three month period and I trust that there have been no difficulties about this.
Can you also let me know how the record player is operating, what records you have and whether you want any others?
This is quite a list of questions I have put to you! I have omitted anything concerning your needs, please do not hesitate, as always, to let me know without delay.
My work has slumped badly recently. It has been a trying time.54 An atmosphere of crisis, in which one is so deeply involved through close friends, is hardly conducive to sober, academic work! But I am now forcing myself back to my papers, and am having reasonable success in this.
Someone has sent me an article on you which appeared some while ago in the “Zambia News”. I am enclosing it for your interest. Your comments, by the way, on the “Sunday Express” and “Sunday Times” reports have aroused great mirth among my friends.
I don’t think I have told you about the results of the representations I said I would make. Coming at this stage, it will not surprise you to learn that they were turned down.
Since dictating all the above, I have seen your wife and was happy to find her well. She assures me that she is not in need of anything. While I was glad to have first hand news of you, I was distressed to learn that, apparently, you have not been receiving the supplies of fruit. I shall be writing direct to the Robben Island Officer Commanding about this. As you know, your wife will be able to take her annual leave at the end of December so that you will be able to look forward to seeing her again then.
There is little else to write about. What with personal difficulties and the general atmosphere at the moment, life is pretty strained.
Look after yourself. I pray for your continued welfare and for your courage and spirit to continue unabated.
Sincerely
Robert Sobukwe
to Veronica Sobukwe,
17 September 1964 (Bc18)
Hullo Darling!
In my last letter I threatened to start divorce proceedings if by this date I had had no word from you yet. Well, I have NOT heard from you yet and it is exactly a month today since you left. But I’ll withdraw my threat! My love for you grows with each day that passes. At this rate, by the time I am eighty I shall be kneeling to kiss your feet every time you enter the room! I am scared at the thought because I really would not like to be such a slave, not even of an extraordinary woman like Zodwa!
Well, Kid, how is the night-duty going? How many babies have you delivered already? You must be having your hands full, I believe, for sociologists report that the poor are prolific breeders.
I received a letter from Benjie two days ago – on the 14th to be exact and he tells me he saw you and you assured him that you were not in need of anything. Apparently, the question of his divorce is settled and there’s nothing else we can do to help. It’s a pity, though. It is always sad to see a marriage break up and all the high hopes with which the young couple started off dashed.
Have you done anything about the radiogram yet? It will be difficult, of course, now that you are on night duty unless your day off falls on a convenient week-day.
We have had bitterly cold weather – in fact we are still experiencing it and according to the radio the whole country is shivering.
How are the autochthons? I miss them a lot and still can’t understand how Dali has changed in so short a time into a self-sufficient, confident little fellow.
This won’t be a long letter darling. I feel much better after having written these few lines. Love to Mama and the kids. And God bless you Little Girl.
Your loving husband,
Mangi
Robert Sobukwe
to Nell Marquard,
17 September 1964 (Bd1.7)
Dear Mrs Marquard,
Thank you very much indeed for your letter – cheerful and quietly courageous as usual. And thank you also for the books which you choose with the uncanny skill of a mind-reader. I have always wanted to read [Henrik] Ibsen but just never got round to doing so. Now my education is complete!
I don’t think you need fear that you are overloading me with plays. I have an insatiable appetite for them. And I find the modern dramatists an interesting lot. Incidentally, I really enjoyed [Eugene] O’Neill’s “Ah! Wilderness.” It could have been any home, anywhere. Truly, “There is only one man in all the world. And his name is All Men.”55
My wife was very happy to have met you and thoroughly enjoyed the brief moments she spent in your company. Thank you very much for making her feel at home. I have not yet received a letter from her though she sent a telegram to inform me she had arrived safely. If all goes well, she should