The late Nelson Ramodike was a conformist who disbanded his Lebowa People’s Party and formed the United People’s Front to pave the way to participate in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, ordinarily known as CODESA because he believed in change. It is history that he made radical decisions such as paying salaries equal to those paid to civil servants in the then central government of South Africa to the chagrin of the de Klerk government.

It is unfortunate that despite the concessions Ramodike made to pave the way to usher in the new dispensation the doors of entering parliament were slammed on his face owing to pressure from members while he had the admiration of leadership to the extent that he was among the entourage that toured the greater part of Europe with former President Mandela.

His never-say-die spirit saw Ramodike surface in parliament in 1999 as a member of the new kid on the block then the United Democratic Movement. As an alternate in the portfolio committee on Minerals and Energy Affairs where he was a full member, I sourced much from the late Nelson. His passion for the subject and issues connected therewith always surfaced during the discussions.

Mr Ramodike has had his full run in politics and there is no doubt that he completed a 180 degree journey by ending up a member of the ANC again.

We extend our condolences to his family, all close to him, friends, the community he lived in and the ANC, his last political home.

May his soul rest in peace

By: SIPHO MFUNDISI