THE MESSENGER - MICHAEL CHARTON KNYSNA

ABOUT

“THE MESSENGER” is a story exploring the curious parallels between South Africa and the United States in the late 1960s. A story crossing the Atlantic several times, while dissecting the insights of a man who, almost alone, managed to transcend the great political divides then tearing both of our nations apart.

Tragically, Bobby Kennedy’s life was snuffed-out by an assassin exactly two years after this tour. However, his insights and his actions leave us with a poignant message – a gift of hope, whispered from the past to a world (again) in a state of fracture.

History boasts many beautifully constructed speeches. Sadly, most are now trapped in canvass-backed books catching dust in public libraries. For it is only when those speeches are backed by meaningful action that mere words can be converted into iconic moments: the likes of Lincoln at Gettysburg; Luther King Jr in Washington; and Mandela at the Rivonia Trial.

One such speech was delivered by Bobby Kennedy at the University of Cape Town in June of 1966. A speech wrapped-up within a human story so unlikely, that its message of hope is destined to transcend time. For Kennedy would use that speech at UCT as the base for an extraordinary five-day tour of the Republic. Extraordinary in that Kennedy abandoned diplomatic protocol, in order to connect with ordinary South Africans.

From Stellenbosch to Soweto, Kennedy (with almost no security) walked the streets, greeting huge crowds of people with his generous smile and occasionally addressing the sea of faces from on top of his car. In the process, Kennedy captured South African hearts through a display of humility unbefitting of any politician, let alone a man widely expected to be the next United States President.

Kennedy’s humility in South Africa was, however, also underpinned by an acknowledgement that his own country was vexed by many of the same challenges as South Africa. Notably the Civil Rights Movement which was still fighting to end racial discrimination in the American South.

As such, Bobby Kennedy realized that he had no right to preach from the pulpit. Instead, he came here to listen; to break down barriers; and to open minds. In his own words, “to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.”

FRIDAY 26TH APRIL 2024

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