Richard “Hannibal” Rumbold – some historical inspiration for “clever blacks”

Of all the questionable ideas floated by SA President Jacob Zuma, criticising “clever blacks” is among the worst. It amplifies his belief in the Big Man of Africa philosophy that’s a key reason why the continent housing 15% of humanity generates just 3% of global economic activity.

In this context, the life of Colonel Richard “Hannibal” Rumbold is worth recounting. A soldier in Cromwell’s English Civil War Army, he witnessed the beheading of King Charles I – and was later himself executed in Edinburgh for fighting against James II. Rumbold’s 1685 speech from the gallows is listed among Scotland’s greatest and is regularly quoted as having inspired those who drafted the US Constitution a century later.

The key passage of Rumbold’s impassioned address reads: “This is a deluded generation veiled in ignorance…I am sure that there was no man born marked by God above another; for none comes into this world with a saddle on his back, neither any booted and spurred to ride him…”

Funny that. The Carpenter from Nazereth said much the same. Back then, Big Men ruled pretty much everywhere on earth without opposition from “clever” anyones. History’s tide favours the Justice Malala’s, Prince Mashele’s and Moeletsi Mbeki‘s. And there are many more of them now than the courageous Rumbold could count on in his day.

Visited 91 times, 1 visit(s) today