The late human rights activist and anti-apartheid stalwart, Paddy Kearney was recently honoured with a book titled ‘A Prophet for our Times’ authored by Dr Raymond Perrier with a forward by Pravin Gordhan, at his 6th Annual Memorial Lecture at the 1860 Heritage Centre, Durban.
The book talks about Kearney’s influence on the community of South Africa. And his deep involvement in community development, social justice initiatives and work with the disadvantaged communities.
Kearney was chair and founder of the Denis Hurley Centre, Founding Director of Diakonia Council of churches and Chair of the Gandhi Development Trust and founder member of the International Centre of Nonviolence, and patron of the Active Citizens Movement among many other positions, he sadly passed away on 23 November 2018.
The lecture was co-hosted by Active Citizens Movement, Denis Hurley Centre, Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Gandhi Development Trust. The lecture was presented by the former Judge Chris Nicholson, who spoke on the topic ‘You Cannot Kill the Truth the relevance of Paddy Kearney in the present times.
The function was facilitated by Dr Jairam Reddy the chairman of the History Society of 1860 Centre Dr Reddy warmly welcomed the attendees in the fully packed hall. The attendees comprised of Paddy’s friends, family, former colleagues, authors, students and everyone who was inspired by Paddy’s life.
Judge Nicholson shared that to be invited to this year’s lecture is a great pleasure and he feels a sense of honour to be part of it.
“It is a privilege to share this podium with the author of that wonderful biography of Paddy, Raymond Perrier, who will respond to what I have to say. I cannot remember when I first met Paddy it must have been in the mid-seventies. When the Ecumenical Centre was set up, the Legal Resources Centre with me as director was ensconced as a tenant and I then got to know Paddy much more. When he was arrested and detained, I brought the famous case to have him released in Archbishop Hurley’s name. As you may know, at that time, it all depended on the police powers to arrest and detain someone if they had reason to believe he was engaging in subversive activities,’’ said judge Nicholson.
Judge Nicholson spoke on the social injustices in South Africa, the flight of capital and the resultant poverty, high crime rate and unemployment, He expressed how much he still mourns the passing of Paddy Kearney, who was a true inspiration to many and deserves all the praise Raymond has given him in his wonderful book.
A prominent South African academic, renowned poet, author and prolific researcher Dr Betty Govinden shared her heartfelt poem to honour the late Paddy.
In her poem Dr Govinden highlighted that whenever Paddy spoke, people appreciated the fact that he drew inspiration from his wide experiences with many people. “Whether they are political activists and revolutionaries, contemplatives or theologians – and from every walk of life intellectuals, with intense wisdom, or just lay people with life experiences His words were valued.
Dr Jithoo delivered closing remarks on behalf of DUT, she extended her appreciation to Active Citizens Movement, Denis Hurley Centre, and Gandhi Development Trust, the former Judge Chris Nicholson and everyone who made this memorial lecture a successful one.
“We are so grateful to our guest, judge Nicholson, the organisers, family and everyone who came together to honour the late Kearney. Thank you for highlighting the social injustices that we are still facing in our communities. I hope we are inspired by the wisdom from this lecture, and we will continue with Kearney’s’ legacy by transforming and inspiring our communities, ‘’ said Dr Jithoo.
Pictured: Dr Raymond Perrier, Director: Denis Hurley Centre and the late Paddy Kearney.
Pictured supplied by Dr Raymond Perrier.
Vukani Langa
