Where were you born?
Yeoville, Johannesburg.
Where and when did you go to school?
I started at Yeoville Boys Primary and matriculated from King Edward VII High School in 1957.
Who was your favourite teacher?
Teddy Gordon who taught me history for matric. His lessons on the French Revolution opened my eyes to South African comparisons of poverty and suffering. They greatly inspired me.
Any fond memories of your school days?
Apart from history lessons, which gave me a thirst for knowledge, I loved sport and did best at athletics. The long distance events developed my physical stamina and my mental strength to never give up.
What were your favourite subjects and why?
History, also geography which aroused my interest in other countries and English literature for its power of expression.
What or who exposed you to communism?
After I matriculated, I worked as a writer in the film industry and began mixing with black writers, poets, artists and musicians. When Sharpville occurred I felt the need to become politically active. A lawyer in Durban, Rowley Arenstein, was married to my cousin Jacqueline. They were active members of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and African National Congress (ANC) alliance. I went to see them because I wanted to join the struggle. They were impressive intellectuals and very brave. The ideals of communism, to end exploitation and suffering and fight for a free South Africa where all would be equal, greatly impressed me.
When did you become a member of SACP?
I became an ANC supporter in 1960 after the Sharpville massacre and joined the SACP in 1961 and Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) in the same year.
Do you think South Africa still needs communism? Why?
The theory of Marxism is a powerful tool to analyse history, society and the world we live in and acts as a guide to a better future for all people. This theory and its SACP practitioners play an important role in strengthening the ANC-led forces building a better and more equitable South Africa.
What is your view of education today?
After years of inequitable and biased education we are busy creating an education system fit for a non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa.
What is your advice to learners?
Focus on your studies; work hard and you will enjoy your school days and be better prepared for life’s challenges.