Book Review: The Syndicate of Twenty-Two Natives

Daluxolo Moloantoa reviews “The Syndicate of Twenty-Two Natives, the Stan Sangweni Story” by Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo.

In current social and academic dialogues within South Africa, across Africa, and globally, the contributions of Christian missionaries are frequently contrasted with the colonisation of indigenous populations by European powers. Particularly in South Africa, Christian missionaries are often depicted as accomplices to the colonisers, whose primary objective was to seize and exploit the land that rightfully belonged to the indigenous African communities. This perspective lacks accuracy upon closer examination.

The Syndicate of Twenty-Two Natives, The Stan Sangweni Story, a biography authored by Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, serves as an exceptionally timely exploration of this subject, shedding light on the life of her late father, Professor Stan Sangweni. In it, Sangweni-Siddo emphasises, albeit unintentionally, the considerable impact that Christian missionaries have had on the evolution and advancement of her family heritage in KwaZulu-Natal, which can be traced back to her great-grandfather and extends through to her father. This influence is similarly apparent on her maternal side, where her grandfather, Patrick Dladla, adopted the Catholic faith, a tradition that was transmitted through the generations to the present.

The book serves as a biography that chronicles the life of her father, the esteemed Professor Sangweni, who stands as a prominent figure among the early advocates of rural development in Southern Africa, and a steadfast stalwart of the liberation struggle in South Africa. The narrative also details the journey of her ancestors as they confronted the relentless wave of land dispossession instigated by white colonialists, ultimately prevailing against this adversity, which is reflected in the title of the book.

At the beginning, the book presents a detailed family history that emphasises the foundational aspects of both her paternal and maternal lineages. Notably, the significant impact of the Catholic Church on both sides of her family is a striking element of this rich heritage. This is illustrated by the decision made by her paternal great-grandfather in the mid-twentieth century to accept an invitation from Benedictine Fathers missionaries to reside with his family at the Dumbe Benedictine Mission, situated on the slopes of Dumbe Mountain along the Rainbow Route in KwaZulu-Natal.

On her maternal side, the narrative commences with her maternal grandfather’s employment on a farm owned by a white farmer in Pietermaritzburg.

His conversion to Catholicism was facilitated by the Trappist monks from the nearby Mariannhill Monastery, who ultimately encouraged her grandfather and his colleagues to leave agricultural work and pursue an education at St Francis College.

In addition to their faith, education serves as a significant source of material advantage that both branches of her family gained through their connection with Catholic missionaries of that era. On her father’s side, his educational journey commenced at the Dumbe Benedictine Mission, where he completed his early primary schooling. Conversely, on her mother’s side, it began with her grandfather, Patrick Dladla, who received his education and training as a teacher at St. Francis College.

In her narrative of the family’s historical journey, Sangweni skillfully redirects attention to St Francis College in Mariannhill. Within the chapter of the book entitled St Francis College, she meticulously outlines her father’s educational progress, emphasising the significant role that both the college and the Mariannhill Mission played in shaping her father’s life.

“Dedi (Prof Sangweni) knew the history of St Francis College inside out. He could tell you all about Abbot Francis Pfanner, who founded the Mariannhill Monastery in 1882. Dedi loved St Francis College. He loved it because he recognised it as his launch pad for his university education and beyond. He was incredibly proud of his alma mater, both for what it taught him and thousands of other men and women, including my maternal grandfather,” she states.

The narrative elegantly unfolds to disclose that it was within the college grounds, surrounded by its exquisite gardens that romance also flourished in her parents’ lives. Her parents first met during their time as students at the college. It was in this very location that her father, after high school, declared his love for her mother, Angela Dadla, who was at that time a teacher at the college. To add to the significance of their story, it was at Mariannhill’s St Francis Cathedral where they exchanged their vows in a beautiful wedding ceremony in 1965.

“The nuns had gone all out to make this day memorable. My mother’s wedding dress was hand-sewn, organised by the nuns,” she states.

The central theme of this background is the significant role of the Church in it, which extends to an international context. Sangweni-Siddo takes pride in underscoring her father’s advanced studies at Lesotho’s St Pius XII Catholic University, now known as the National University of Lesotho (UL), followed by his education at St Francis Xavier University in Canada, and also at Cornell University in the United States. It was his sister Lindiwe Mabuza, she outlines, then a student at St Pius XII Catholic University, who informed her brother about the scholarship opportunities available at the institution.

The book further explores the evolution of the family, beginning with the relocation of her parents to Swaziland (currently known as eSwatini), followed by the births of her and her brother, and the professional growth of Professor Sangweni upon returning to Africa. In this context, the term “home” is employed metaphorically, as it was during this period that the Sangweni family transitioned from being a black South African family residing outside the country to becoming a family of political exiles.

Sangweni-Siddo provides a detailed account of her father’s increasing participation in the fight against apartheid during the family’s stay in Lusaka, Zambia, highlighting his collaboration with the exiled leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), including President Oliver Tambo. This section of the book offers a succinct overview of the experiences of South Africans living in exile, not only in Zambia but also in various international cities where they sought refuge. It was in Lusaka that her parents formed a friendship with another exiled Catholic couple, Sophie and Benny De Bruin.

As politics increasingly influenced her parents’ lives in the 1980s, she remains mindful of Professor Sangweni’s groundbreaking contributions to rural education and agricultural development across various Southern African nations. He played a crucial role in organisations such as the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

His exemplary service in these organisations earned him recognition as a valuable asset by the newly established South African government in 1994, culminating in his appointment by President Nelson Mandela as a pivotal figure in the reform of South Africa’s Public Service Commission (PSC).

The narrative vividly recounts his experiences at the commission, encompassing both triumphs and challenges, as well as his roles as a father, grandfather, and devoted Catholic. Throughout this journey, the author emphasises her father’s steadfast adherence to his faith.

The author effectively conveys her father’s steadfastness in his faith throughout the book. She depicts an elderly man who, disillusioned by the direction taken by his cherished political organisation and grappling with declining health, ultimately comes to terms with the inevitable future that awaits him. While Sangweni-Siddo makes an effort to address these themes, there remains an opportunity for a more profound exploration of the specific concerns and objections raised by the stalwarts of the freedom struggle regarding the deteriorating circumstances within their movement. It would have been enlightening to gain insight into the discussions that transpired behind closed doors and the meetings held, highlighted much later by her cousin and political leader Mavuso Msimang’s resignation from the African National Congress (ANC), followed by his subsequent return.

In this period of preparation, she notes that he sought spiritual guidance from a priest named Fr Joel Skhosana. The author presents this emotionally charged time, contrasting the impending conclusion of her father’s life with the promise of new beginnings, particularly highlighted by her nephew’s upcoming confirmation at the Church of the Resurrection in Bryanston, Johannesburg.

The notion of resurrection takes on an ironic significance, as her father’s funeral was held at the same church. During the service, Fr Skhosana recounted his final moments with Professor Sangweni, recalling the professor’s prayer: “Father, cleanse my body, this temple of the Holy Spirit.” Fr Skhosana conveyed to the mourners that following this prayer, he was assured that Professor Sangweni had “died in Christ. Anyone who dies in Christ, dies a good death.”

Sangweni-Siddo has produced a work of significant national and historical relevance by chronicling the life of Professor Stan Sangweni.

This narrative transcends the individual, illustrating a man’s unwavering commitment to the advancement of his community across various social dimensions. Furthermore, it recounts the life of a man who had much to appreciate: a devoted family, a loving wife and matriarch, professional achievements, and an enduring affection for his people.

In future discussions regarding the merits of our Christian faith, of missionary education, and of a life dedicated to spiritual and professional integrity, consider researching and referencing the life of one deeply pious and devoutly Catholic man, Professor Stan Skhumbuzo Mzilankatha Sangweni. Better yet, buy the book.

The Syndicate of Twenty-two Natives – The Stan Sangweni Story is on sale at Exclusive Books bookstores nationwide.