In his letter “Come back to us, Brother Seepe, all will be forgiven” (January 18) Rabelani Dagada mentions a number of academics who he claims would not be what they are had it not been for the African National Congress’s contribution. He mentions people such as Vincent Maphai, Chris Landsberg, Xolela Mangcu, among others.
I need some clarification. What exactly does the writer mean by this? Does he imply that these people were nurtured by the ANC until they achieved prominence in the academic field? I thought it was through their own efforts that they became academics and political analysts of note because of themselves. I am not too sure of the ANC’s contribution towards their success. Phil Mtimkulu, Unisa