A Freedom Fighter's Insights for Young Leaders
“The best gift [any of us] will ever leave our children is education.”
Dede Ntsoelengoe remembers the beauty of the sunrise over Robben Island. In fact, he says such beauty was one of the only things that carried him through years of imprisonment. Alongside his fellow political prisoners like Ahmed Kathrada, and Nelson Mandela, Dede persisted through the years of physical, mental, and emotional beating.
When asked what kept him going through it all, Dede referenced only that he was “an instrument towards a realization of a greater good.” By being a freedom fighter – carrying South Africa closer towards a future of united purpose – Dede knew that his suffering could one day yield better opportunity for young leaders in the country that he calls home.
Dede sat down on Robben Island with Presidential Precinct Executive Director Neal Piper and two Presidential Precinct alumni: Catherine Constantinides and Lwazi Mtshiyo.
A five part series in full, Dede Ntsoelengoe tells his story of resilience as a freedom fighter and former political prisoner on Robben Island. Reflecting on his time at the shoulder of Nelson Mandela, he describes the moments of darkness, moments of hope, and glimpses of wisdom learned from a lifetime battle for good. We yearn that no South African will ever have to experience the hatred that is so central to Dede’s story, but from that hatred comes a testimony for young leaders around the world. Seek to learn. Ask why. And never give up.
Click through the playlist in the window below to watch the full conversation:
