Dr Frene Noshir Ginwala visited Groutville’s United Congregational Church and Luthuli Museum last Friday ahead of delivering the seventh annual Chief Albert Luthuli memorial lecture at KwaZulu-Natal University on Saturday.
Rev Simphiwe Mkhize ministered during a special service.
This was the second visit to Groutville for the former and longest-serving speaker of parliament.
She first came to Luthuli’s birthplace in March 1960, just after the African National Congress had begun to encourage the world to boycott South Africa.
Ginwala, working as a journalist at the time, was sent to Luthuli to get a message to the world.
“Ahmed Kathrada brought me to the chief and I was received graciously. Off the cuff, Luthuli gave a message asking for sanctions to be imposed on South Africa in protest of Apartheid.
“Little did I know that message would be played in Trafalgar Square, in London.”
Luthuli’s eldest daughter Albertina said it was humbling for Ginwala, her friend, to visit the church as she is the first woman to deliver the memorial lecture.
“It is a great moment for our nation and an even greater one for Groutville.”
Museum director Brian Xaba thanked Ginwala for coming to pay her respects.
“Thank you for remembering our culture by honouring Luthuli’s spirit. ”
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