Moral poverty of racist attackers

by Letters Editor · January 16, 2014

From Joste Braake, East London

I have just read the article titled �Priest: I forgive racist attackers� (January 1), and feel terrible that such things still happen in South Africa, and especially in relation to the passing of Nelson Mandela.

Fr Victor Phalana and Martin Wamba

I am a white male living in East London and wish to express my feelings regarding this incident in which Fr Victor Phalana and Martin Wamba were senselessly assaulted by three white men who made silly statements about Madiba no longer being alive.

It appears that the assailants must be living in spiritual and moral poverty. Their lives must be full of fear that they chose such a cowardly act, instead of being able to share grief for the passing of the greatest leader South Africa has ever had.

May they find healing from the anger and fear that appears to control their lives. May they have the courage and humility to acknowledge greatness in people of other races.

Thank you Fr Phalana and Mr Wamba for the Christian values you have displayed in forgiving these young men and focusing on the bigger picture of nation building, as Madiba would have advocated, instead of harbouring anger or seeking revenge for the injustice perpetrated against you.