A son's perspective on fatherhood and social justice

ON FATHER'S Day celebrated today, Lukhanyo Calata, son of Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four anti-apartheid activists murdered in 1985, reflects on his father's enduring legacy, the sacrifice that shaped South Africa's freedom, and the ongoing challenges facing the country's youth.

- VERNA VAN DIEMEN

Lukhanyo was only three years old when his father was killed, leaving him too young to directly learn from Fort.

Without memories of his presence, his understanding of his father's values and lessons come from stories shared by those who knew him, and passed down over the years.

One memory that stood out for Lukhanyo was the revelation that his father was not only an activist and a teacher, but a talented musician.

"My dad was a musician, quite a talented one, who played multiple instruments," he said. "He played for several bands in Cradock, including his own, The Heartbreakers. It's something I have always connected with -especially since I love music too."

Lukhanyo, a bass player who also had his own band, said he feels closest to his father when he is playing his instrument.

"I feel particularly robbed of my father during certain musical moments. I often wonder if he had not been taken away from us, whether I would have ended up in journalism at all. We could have ended up doing music," he said.