Ex-policeman recalls meeting Mandela
Former Warrant Officer at Brixton SAPS, JJ Kotze was left in awe after his short conversation with the iconic freedom fighter back in 1991.
IN the wake of Mandela Day on Wednesday, 18 July which marked 100 years since the birth of the father of the nation, one of Amanzimtoti’s own recalled his encounter with late former SA president, Nelson Mandela.
Former Warrant Officer at Brixton SAPS, JJ Kotze was left in awe after his short conversation with the iconic freedom fighter back in 1991.
“I met Mandela in 1991, shortly after his release from prison,” explained Kotze. “He came to see Major General Gerrit Erasmus, the then-provincial commissioner of police in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, regarding peacetalks around the armed struggle of Veterans of Umkhonto We Sizwe.
Kotze explained that as a warrant officer, he had to meet Mandela in the basement alone, as Mandela was not allowed to bring any of his bodyguards to the meeting. “I introduced myself and welcomed him with a handshake and led him to the meeting,” he said. “He spoke pure Afrikaans to me, was friendly and relaxed. He was taller than I had expected and very friendly.”
Kotze led him to the commissioner’s office while the two exchanged words.
“After the meeting I was called to lead him back to his BMW with his bodyguards and driver,” he explained. “I was very impressed with him. He was the complete opposite of what I had expected. I saw him a couple of times again, including at Ellis Park for the World Rugby Cup.”
Kotze was born and raised in Johannesburg, where he served at Brixton and John Vorster Plein SAPS, now Johannesburg Central SAPS, for 25 years. After living inland for 50 years, he moved to Amanzimtoti in 2009. He is now retired and enjoys this beautiful town and its people.
Kotze aims to be extra kind and respectful to fellow South Africans this Mandela Day and urged others to follow suit.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
