I grew up in front of you,
you held me in your arms,

our families inextricably linked,
during those frigid years of exile.

Today you have passed,
today you have joined the ancestors,
today you no longer walk with us in flesh and blood,

yet today your spirit shines bright,
you who fought and sacrificed to set the torch of freedom alight.

Uncle Mendi, I will remember you,

I will cherish the moments spent with you,

I will never forget the gentle soul who fought and struggled against the heinous Apartheid regime.

Today and tomorrow,

I will remember you.

Today and forevermore,

We the people shall salute you.

Rest in Peace, Uncle Mendi.

Afzal Moolla was born in Delhi, India while his parents were in exile, working as political exiles against Apartheid in South Africa. He then travelled wherever his parent’s work took them, spending time in Egypt, Finland, and Iran. Afzal works and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This piece was first published on Afzal Moolla's personal blog.