ANDREW MLANGENI: See You On The Next Tee, Tatana Wa Mina

NTSIKI MASHIMBYE

MY father, my comrade, my fellow golfer and my friend. I shall not for a minute mourn your passing, for I am filled with only beautiful memories of you when I selfishly hung onto your coat tails, toddling at your feet and drinking from your endless reservoir of wisdom and experience. 

Tloks, short for Motlokwa, as Mandela, Sisulu, Kathrada and others would affectionately call you, Tsamaya ka Khotso, you have more than earned your rest and your peace knowing that your comradely and selfless deeds have left our country richer and better.

When we met you, Bab’ uMlangeni, it was akin to meeting all of the Rivonia Trialists.

We would never tire of the stories, of the history lessons and of your political insight. 

We saw you as we would see the mighty Baobab tree; a source of our protection and to many, a symbol of longevity, strength