My Father Died for This - Lukhanyo and Abigail Calata

Brilliant Historical Memoir

Thursday 24 May at 12 noon for 12h30

Guest Speakers: Lukhanyo and Abigail Calata

Buitenverwachting Restaurant

Lukhanyo and Abigail Calata will be introducing their recently published book My Father Died for This.

I read an extract from their book in the Sunday Times a few weeks ago and then heard an interview with Pippa Hudson on Cape Talk I was incredibly impressed. Contacted their publishers and we are privileged to have them as our guest speakers next week.

The Authors

Lukhanyo Calata is a television journalist, who worked for eNCA before joining the SABC's parliamentary office. He is the son of Fort Calata, one of four anti-apartheid activists from Cradock, assassinated by the government in 1985. He lives in Cape Town.

Abigail Calata is a former journalist who has worked for Beeld as a political reporter and parliamentary correspondent, Die Burger and the University of Cape Town's Law Faculty. She currently works for the Shoprite Group as publicity manager: CSI and Africa. She lives in Cape Town.

The Book

When the Cradock Four's Fort Calata was murdered by agents of the apartheid state in 1985, his son Lukhanyo was only three years old. Thirty-one years later Lukhanyo, now a journalist, becomes one of the SABC Eight when he defies Hlaudi Motsoeneng's reign of censorship at the public broadcaster by writing an open letter that declares: my father didn't die for this.

With his wife Abigail, Lukhanyo brings to life the father he never knew and investigates the mystery that surrounds his father’s death, despite two high-profile inquests. Join them in a poignant and inspiring journey into the history of a remarkable family that traces the struggle against apartheid beginning with Fort's grandfather, treason trialist and ANC Secretary-General Rev James Calata.

‘An unflinching personal account of an apartheid tragedy, written with wisdom, warmth and clarity.’

– Ray Hartley

‘Fort Calata’s struggles are transposed into the contemporary challenges of managing freedom and democracy through the microcosm of the heroism demanded of today’s generation… A brilliant and emotion-filled read.’

 – Mathatha Tsedu

Chef/Patron Edgar Osojnik promises a delicious menu. The luncheon costs R440 which includes elegant Buitenverwachting wines.  Well worth it as those who attended the last luncheon will attest to.

For more information or to book please email sandybailey@telkomsa.net or telephone 

021 685 8016.