In life, there are moments when time stands still, moments forever etched into the memory, indelible moments that remain eternal to someone. In my life, I have been fortunate that some of these moments were shared with Jackson Mthembu.
I first met Jackson in 1982 in the Ackerville township where we both grew up and as young impatient comrades became active in the civics organisation of Witbank. It is through this unwavering commitment from a young age that he emerged as one of our leaders. His clever articulations, militant and determined strategies, inclusive leadership style and charming sense of humour meant that from the small mining town of Witbank we were able to fight against the brutal apartheid regime.