Thandi, Liberation: My Struggle for South Africa as an Exile in America
"Thandi's story... inspires us to recall those amongst us who confront the Goliath of racism on behalf of a multiracial world."
--- Sibusio Vil-Nkomo, Executive Dean, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, Pretoria, South Africa
In this powerful memoir, Thandi writes of her coming of age in apartheid South Africa, the reasons for her self-exile in the US, and her exhaustive work to liberate her people. In measured manner and without hesitation, she shares her Atlanta-based work with prominent US civil rights leaders, students, universities, local and state elected officials, and religious congregations whom she skillfully organized across a rich diversity of race, income, political affiliations, and faiths.
South Africa’s horrific apartheid enforcement, not unlike the Jim Crow laws in the US, never leaves her memoir’s center stage. Aparthied’s abolition was the driving force for Thandi’s countless education speaking engagements, boycotts, and sanctions and divestment campaigns culminating with the contentious, eight-year Coca-Cola Campaign.
Thandi demonstrates the profound influence on her activism of her parents, Nokukhanya Luthuli, and Noble Peace Prize recipient, Albert Luthuli. The memoir is an important historical account of one person’s conviction and perseverance.
Published by Africa World press, the memoir is an inspirational guide for nonviolent action in opposition to injustice in today’s world.
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Tributes
"T(h)andi will never know or understand the privilege she gave me — the privilege of watching her persist against such horrendous odds to end apartheid, to raise her family alone and in exile, and to finally return to South Africa to continue to give more, more as a mother and grandmother, more in nation building and as Ambassador, more in helping to solidify her father's legacy."
--- Gloria Gaines, Former Vice President and Assistant General Manager, MARTA, Atlanta, GA, USA
"T(h)andi was and continues to be an inspiration, especially to social justice activists still toiling in the vineyards."
--- Jerry Herman, Former National Coordinator, Southern African Program, American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, PA, USA
"I read Thandi's memoir. It's very well done and her story is absorbing. I had no knowledge before of her exceptional and admirable life."
--- David C. Johnston, Professor of Political Science, Columbia University, New York City, USA
"The heroines and heroes in the struggle to end the apartheid regime may be too numerous to count but a central place will always be reserved for Thandi."
--- Dr. Mack H. Jones, Professor Emeritus, Clark University, Atlanta, GA, USA
"Thandi's story, told with her characteristic simplicity and humility, inspires us to recall those amongst us who confront the Goliath of racism on behalf of a multiracial world. ...This is a truthful narration by Mama Thandi. She pulls no punches. The outright opposition and the double dealing of those who did not want to overthrow the apple cart emerge in her narration. These were the true challenges she faced in her own strategic and quiet way as she forged ahead with the struggle to liberate South Africa."
--- Sibusiso Vil-Nkomo, Executive Dean, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, Pretoria, South Africa
“Those of us privileged to work with Thandi witnessed a gracious, compassionate, strong-as-steel woman emerge as a supremely influential activist. As analyst, negotiator, mediator, and gifted organizer she galvanized disparate groups for the greater good.”
--- Elizabeth Enloe, Former Regional Director, American Friends Service Committee, Atlanta and New York City, USA