On the Thursday, 23April 2026, Wynberg Library held an author talk by Professor Gertrude Fester, an activist, academic and author who delivered a powerful talk reflecting on her life, her role in the fight against apartheid and her views on South Africa today. Fester, who endured 104 days of solitary confinement during apartheid, spoke openly about the psychological toll of isolation and the resilience it demanded. She mentioned that writing this book serves as telling her story and healing process.
She acknowledged that she feels privileged to have been compensated for her suffering but raised a concern that many of her comrades who endured similar or even greater hardships were never compensated. Despite these challenges, Fester has built an extraordinary career, travelling the world, working and studying abroad and eventually earning her PhD in London. She worked as a lecturer at The Kigali Institute of Education in Rwanda. She stated that looking at where Rwanda came from; she still believes that there is a hope for a better South Africa.
Turning to the present, Fester expressed her deep disappointment with South Africa’s political landscape. She mentioned that the idea of what they fought for which is justice, equality and dignity have been overshadowed by corruption and greed. The economy, she observed, caters to a privileged minority while the majority continues to suffer. “This is not what we fought for,” she repeated, highlighting the disappointment felt by many veterans of the liberation struggle.
The session was highly interactive, with many expressing gratitude for hearing history directly from someone who lived it. Some participants raised the possibility of Fester’s book being considered as a set work in schools, arguing that it presents an authentic version of South Africa’s history and an important resource for younger generations. For many in attendance, her words served as a source of inspiration: the struggle for justice is ongoing and the responsibility to uphold the values of freedom lies with all South Africans.
By: Rethabile Nkhahle
Librarian
Wynberg Library