Eulogy: MK Dingake

Allow me to say, protocol observed. My name is Refilwe Dingake, daughter to Justice Dingake – the younger brother to MK Dingake. My father is not able to be with us today. He is trapped in the bowels of the Pacific Ocean and unable to be home to bid his brother farewell. He has asked that I read this eulogy of his brother on his behalf.

He would have loved to be here. He sends his sincerest apologies. Those who know my Dad know his style of delivery. Should I fall short, I ask that you bear with me. We are gathered here to mourn the passing of my brother, a Freedom Fighter, a stalwart of the ANC, a human rights defender and a Founding President of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). Today, as the nation bids this larger-than-life figure farewell, we are at the same time celebrating a life lived to the full; the richness of which has inspired thousands of freedom fighters in this country and many parts of the world. "Let Freedom reign!" Nelson Mandela remarked on a mantra that MK lived up to his entire life. “Let my people free,” Moses would urge Pharoah. A giant has fallen. My brother taught us that leaders are not born but are produced by struggle.