By Neelam Rahim

The country is reeling after the loss of ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte on Sunday and yesterday that of internationally renowned poet, literature legend and activist Muhammed Umar-Udeen Don Mattera.

Mattera died just a day after Joburg Theatre honoured him with a spot on the walk of fame for his contribution to the industry.

Speaking to Radio Islam International is an independent political writer, analyst and author Ebrahim Harvey who has known both struggle stalwarts.

According to Harvey, analysing their contribution to the struggle is this country comes from two different streams. The National Liberation movement had multiple streams of thought. The heart of the ANC was the black consciousness movement and the Congress movement.

He says Jessie Duarte comes from The Congress Movement, whereas Don’s politics started at the labour party. Don got a bit disillusioned and went to the black consciousness movement. Not only with BC Movement, but Don was also active with the military wing of the PAC.

Don was a Pan Africanist ultimately. He added that he didn’t see it as a contradiction when he was active with the military wing as against the black conciseness movement.

Ebrahim also tells Radio Islam after paying tribute to Duarte. A mere five hours later, he received the news of the passing of Mattera.

Since Jessie Duarte made that speech in November in Soweto at The ANC rally, she became increasingly unhappy with what was going on within the ANC, said Ebrahim.

For the full interview, listen to Radio Islam’s podcast below.