Letter from Basil Clunie to Kathy Devine. The letter says it is now less than one week before my departure for South Africa and our participation in the first genuinely democratic elections; I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your most generous support for my trip; I truly could not have done this without your help; I am appreciative of this fact, and am reminded that as in all things, we do our best when we increase our strength through cooperation. The letter says our group includes a retired school principal, a Chicago alderman, a University graduate student, members of local church communities and several anti-apartheid veteran activists; we will be flying to Capetown on the...
Letter from Basil Clunie to Kathy Devine. The letter says it is now less than one week before my departure for South Africa and our participation in the first genuinely democratic elections; I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your most generous support for my trip; I truly could not have done this without your help; I am appreciative of this fact, and am reminded that as in all things, we do our best when we increase our strength through cooperation. The letter says our group includes a retired school principal, a Chicago alderman, a University graduate student, members of local church communities and several anti-apartheid veteran activists; we will be flying to Capetown on the 21st of April, after several days of orientation in Johannesburg; upon our arrival in Johannesburg on the 17th of April, many in our Chicago group will be visiting our colleagues in Alexandra Township for a few hours, to make and/or renew acquaintances; I am eager to greet Mzwanele, Mary, and others whom we have formerly brought to Chicago, in their own hometown. The letter says the Chicago group of election observers has been posted to the city of George, about 5 hours' drive east of Capetown off the N2 highway. The letter says George is an Afrikaner-dominated city with a long history; it is one of the first places where Europeans met Africans in South Africa back in the 1600's, and I believe that it is significant that it is here that we are helping to put a nail in the Apartheid coffin by ensuring a free and fair election. The letter says we expect some hostility, certainly, from those who may see us as meddlers who are preventing the continuance of a traditional 'masters and servants' culture; however, as far as all reports now indicate, there is no direct threat of violence in our area of the country. The letter says the election process takes place on the 26th, 27th and 28th of April, and we will be observing in connection with South African monitors, and with a host of other officials from each political party, the peacekeeping forces, IEC officials, etc.; each polling station will be a busy place! The letter says I will be sure to let you know about our experiences upon my return; again, many thanks for your blessing, your help and your backing. The letter discusses the IEC (Independent Electoral Commission). [Notes: The correct spelling is Cape Town. Mzwanele is Mzwanele Mayekiso. Mary is Mary Ntingane.]
