Jonathan Cook's passing reference to Winston Churchill was unfortunate (We need strong leaders, but let's keep our freedoms, (https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/columnists/2019-11-18-jonathan-cook-dont-throw-our-freedom-away/) November 19). The shrinking band of liberal democrats in SA would generally see Churchill as the great man who saved civilisation from Nazi slavery, but many in the “developing” world would not share such veneration.
Although Churchill wasn’t present at Ulundi’s 1879 Zulu Gatling gun massacre, it was committed by others motivated by the same brand of imperialism. He came of age coolly dispatching muzzleloading African tribesmen with his multi-shot Mauser pistol at the 1898 Battle of Omdurman outside Khartoum. In case Ulundi seems like ancient history, former president Jacob Zuma could have sat on the knee of someone who had been there...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.