Yes, I know Colesberg and I know Norvals Pont too.13 Would your father by any means have been Rev. Andrew Murray, born in Graaff-Reinet 9th May 1828 and who died at Wellington January 18th 1919?14 You did mention in one of your earlier letters that your Murrays were religious and were not engaged in farming, but you did not say you were the daughter of one of them! Incidentally the details I have quoted above I obtained from a book I am reading, The Murray Tribute, written by [illegible] Murray [illegible].15
With reference to your question about furring, the article merely states that “Armand16 devised an ingenious additive to the water which prevented furring. It doubled the life of the train, allowed the railway to reduce its stock of engines and eliminated a thoroughly nasty job. It won him praise and, aged thirty-four, promotion to chief engineer.” Very illuminating and helpful you’ll agree.
No I haven’t read Eugene Marais’17 book. But the story is really delightful, though not very flattering to human beings.
Your story about Dr Adler18 was very interesting indeed. And I agree that it is necessary to collect the medicine lore of our Africans as soon as possible. Witchdoctors are an interesting lot – outstanding psychologists. Some have a profound knowledge of herbs. There is a belief that those born to be “lingata” cannot escape their destiny. They become seriously ill and may even become insane if they do not heed the call. The lady who was my teacher in Sub A threw up teaching and joined this fraternity. I have been assured that she is a very competent practitioner. In Xhosa we distinguish between the Igqirha whose sole job is to “diagnose”, which might include smelling out witches, and the ixhwele (with a lateral click) who prepares the potions. The Igqirha sends his patients to the ixhwele in the same way as some doctors send patients to the chemist.
I dislike “Hamlet”, I believe, because from the first I was told that it was Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. My teachers waxed poetic when they discussed the play. I read “Julius Caesar”, “Macbeth” “King Lear” and enjoyed them. I read “Hamlet” and, I am afraid, didn’t feel that it was greater than the others, either in language or in construction. It is said that Sir Laurence Olivier’s “Othello” is a masterpiece. I haven’t seen any of Shakespeare’s plays either in the theatre or on the screen. It is entirely through books that I have made his acquaintance.
In your reply please tell me what vegetable seeds can be sown and give me whatever information you can about water melons and sweet melons – when sown and how.
Again, thanks for your letter. Hoping for better news about Mr Marquard.
Yours sincerely,
RM Sobukwe
P.S. With regard to Hamlet, then, I believe my dislike stems from sheer perverseness because all the others think highly of him, to show my independence of mind I have to class the play as indifferent. I’ll try and find the reasons through ruthless self-analysis! RMS
Robert Sobukwe
to Veronica Sobukwe,
4 July 1963 (Bc4)
Hello Darling,
Thank you for both your letters, one dated 13th and the other 20th June.
I had also written to you, two weeks ago I think, suggesting that we hand over the money to the Defence and Aid Fund people. Then I received your letter to the effect that you had already fetched the money and placed it in the bank – fixed deposit. As I had said in an earlier letter, it is your money really, not mine. I won’t press the point about Defence & Aid, then. You will do as you think best.
I have replied to Fabian’s letter. I received the money and have already bought the kettle and iron. The radio is on the way. I have not bought a typewriter nor have I applied for an electric recorder.19 These items are extremely expensive and will take up all that R100 and still leave us in debt. An electric recorder alone will work out at about R50 and a typewriter the same. Fabian has no experience of gaol life, Sweet. You have, through caring for me for these past three years. You will have to pull him up now and again. I have written to him, too, to acquaint him of the position.
I agree with you that you must be nearer either me or the children. And I want to say, Kid, that I shall be extremely happy if you can get a post nearer Mili and Dini. You will then have no worries either about Dedani and Dali. I am grown up, Child. I know you love me absolutely. I NEVER, even for a moment, doubt your love for me. But the kids need your presence. They must never lack mother-love if we can help it. So, please try for a post near them.
Thank you for the dates about the Papers. As you will have noticed in my earlier letter, I thought Pogrund was responsible for the Rand papers. Thank you, Kid.
I received the parcel, Darling. Thank you indeed. The pyjamas were the exact size and extremely welcome. So were the shoes. Incidentally, I don’t remember the black shoes. The brown I recognised immediately. The sports shirts made my heart go around. They are lovely. Your choice of colours is wonderful. BUT, Darling, they are too small. Now please don’t get disappointed. I would not have admitted that they are small. I do so because I fear you may buy others. These won’t be wasted, Child. We will put them aside for Dini. Nothing that is done for love can ever be a mistake. Don’t blame yourself. In shirts I buy 16½ collar. I don’t know how one expresses that in sports shirts. Thank you for the jersey too. I now have three! There is the black one I had, then this green one you’ve sent. And this morning I received a fawn one from Mercy. She says she did not get a chance to show it to you before sending it off. She has some good things to say about you and the kids.
I have also received a warm vest, a pair of socks and a brown sports coat from Mam Tshawe. The coat sleeves are a little short and the jacket is a bit tight round the shoulders, but it is a lovely one. It appears I shall soon have to open a drapery shop around here.
Congrats to the kids. I pray for you all daily as I have done for the past three years. I am glad you have found them a place.20 I am certain they’ll be happy, particularly if you could soon be near them.
Thanks for the advice about soap flakes. I’ll remember it. I have bought a lovely Picture Album – so let those snaps roll in! Father Webber21 has sent me an expensive Bible. I am receiving Bibles & books all round. If you can make it down here, I’ll be very pleased, of course, though in my last letter I pointed out that it would be an expensive journey.
Well, Good bye Little Woman. Love to the kids, Mama & friends.
Your loving husband,
Mangi
Robert Sobukwe
to Veronica Sobukwe,
29 July 1963 (Bc5)
My darling Mrs Sobukwe,
We’ve been having particularly cold weather this week with overcast, lowering skies, winds that howl like banshees and a tumultuous, obstreperous sea – altogether a picture which should be depressing but one that never fails to touch a chord in my heart.
It is said that our feelings are coloured, if not determined, by the state of the weather. To me, cold and rain have always been associated with a warm fire place and love and laughter. No wonder, therefore, that you have been particularly in my mind this week. And on Tuesday I celebrated your birthday with thanks and gratitude. I shall celebrate Mili’s tomorrow in the same way. I am sorry I could not in person give you a birthday present that will in a very small way convey my esteem for you two girls and my gratitude for your love. I do hope my letter arrived in time to wish you a Happy Birthday.
I received, yesterday, a parcel of warm sheets, shirts, underwear, socks, trousers and hankies from Benjie. As usual they were beautiful patterns. I felt he had consulted you! He must have spent a very tidy sum indeed. I shall soon send you my measurements so that you should have my grey suit altered accordingly. The rest you can send to Charles.22 I am sending my old stuff to Nenti23 to dispose of as she pleases.
I received a letter from Fabian last