Mailbox: Goodbye Neil de Beer, you Legend!
Key topics
Ex-Mandela advisor & MK veteran who spoke truth to power
Called out ANC, EFF & MK Party without fear or favour
Remembered for humour, patriotism & political insight
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By L Oosthuizen
We will always remember straight talking Neil de Beer, President of the UIM (United Independent Movement) for his bravery and the way that he called out ANC cadres, EFF and recently, Zuma's MK Party!
De Beer, having been Nelson Mandela's National Security Advisor and also a former uMkhonto we Sizwe operative, knew South African politics better than most people. Being able to speak Zulu, De Beer also used to drop some very catchy phrases on our listeners, giving his podcasts a sure edge above the rest. He was also a councilor for the city of Cape Town.
What I personally will miss the most about this incredible individual is his sharp sense of humour, his ability to identify politician's political gameplay and his fearlessness when it came to holding the ANC to account. He never shy'd away from conflict- he always chose truth above convenience, integrity above popularity. This is the type of person that I would always want to support, and fight the good fight with!
You see my fellow readers, what this country needs most right now, is less bickering about who is right and who is wrong, less talk about Black this and White that, and more standing together in Solidarity for what is noble, what is just and what is true! Neil de Beer did exactly that! His own morality convicted him of ever telling lies...his own moral compass and love for this country steered his thoughts and shaped his words.
He never sought sympathy or acceptance like some of our smart talking politicians today. He never seemed fazed about death threats or felt any fear from opposition leaders. He spoke truth, he spoke with passion and his messages were often very thought-provoking and without favour or prejudice...unlike our media today!
We can all learn from this brilliant man- even whilst he was fighting cancer, he was still fighting for our beautiful country! Leaders such as Ramaphosa, Mbalula, Malema , Mashatile, Zuma and the likes must have trembled whenever this man spoke, because he just always knew what was going on behind the scenes! Neil, we will miss you, Brother! Your patriotism is unmatched!Peace out!
"Ons sal jou mis, Broeder!"