THE MISSION by Denis Goldberg
(STE Publishers)
Denis Goldberg is a charmer and his personality is the most prominent element of his autobiography, The Mission. The story is interesting, of course — how could a tale from the only white Rivonia triallist about his struggle days not be — but the unique quality of this book is that it’s told in Goldberg’s tone and voice.
Goldberg, now aged 77, is unashamedly honest about the long life he’s lived. He opens up about his family’s most intimate details, writing about his father’s meandering eyes and ways. He talks about his children, Hilary and David, and writes about his wife, Esme, with clear affection.
It’s easy to tell that Goldberg, a trained engineer, is not a writer by nature and most of the book is written as though he was telling his story, perhaps writing a series of letters to a friend.
The effect is of tales being told by a grandfather on a sofa at home. The tone of friendly and honest familiarity is strong and is something that anyone who has met Goldberg or heard him speak will be able to identify with.
The book tells a long story, ranging from Goldberg’s family life through his days at university, how he became involved in the armed struggle and his arrest at Lilliesleaf Farm in Rivonia to his negotiated release from prison and his subsequent days in a free South Africa.
Particularly in the chapters about publicly known political events, such as the political arrests, events in prison and the prisoners’ release, Goldberg gives small, intimate details that have never been told before. Every triallist’s experience was different and that’s why each one’s story is so interesting. Goldberg has a keen eye for detail and observed small incidents that, although seemingly insignificant, illustrate well the effects of apartheid and the struggle against it. These little details are what make the book such a fiercely personal account — and a page-turner.
Goldberg writes about relatively unknown people who had an effect on him and who he felt had an effect on the struggle — this is important, because so many people who played important roles have gone unnoticed and unsung. He acknowledges them and their activities, another element that adds to his human perspective on the situation.
He has some interesting takes on South Africa today and what has become of older activists. As someone who didn’t end up in Parliament or as a Cabinet minister, his thoughts are fresh, objective and thought-provoking.
The book contains many photographs of Goldberg’s family, himself and his comrades. It shows drawings that he, as an engineer, did in planning attacks when he was a member of Umkhonto weSizwe.
He includes his notes on the Israeli occupation of Palestine, which he likens to apartheid South Africa.
The book contains a CD, with videos, pictures and Archie Sibeko’s role of honour, which contains 60 biographies of ANC members.
This book is not about literary prowess — it’s about personal details of an inhumane time and it rings with positivity for the future.