The Man in Flames (Ernesto Alfabeto Nhamuave‪)‬

He died in Johannesburg while working there. Please accept his spirit. Let it rest in peace. These are sacred words, words that slice into your person, words that crash the boundaries between people and humanity in general. These are words which are said at a special place and at a special time to a special person. Because of their sacredness, in African tradition, they are not just said by anybody, but by those who are closest to the one so departed. They are meant to connect us, those who remain, with those departed and beyond. For those who believe in prayer, this is a solemn prayer, not only for the one so departed but for forgiveness for those who killed him in cold blood. In anger, these words could be reversed to 'do not sleep, wake up and fight for yourself. Fight these evil-doers.' In typical African humility, the angry words were not said. Well done, Sunday Times, well done Simphiwe and colleagues, for the 'News and Opinion' column of the Sunday Times of 8 June 2008.