Litnet

Victor Honey (photo: provided)

Moegammad Tahier Kara is busy with his master’s degree in the Sociology of Education at the University of Stellenbosch and he writes about the unsung heroes who died during the Apartheid Struggle. Read another one of his commemorations below.

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 His journey from a dedicated church member to a prominent anti-apartheid activist in Stellenbosch exemplifies the transformative power of faith in inspiring individuals to stand up against injustice and fight for a better, more equitable society.

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This tribute is dedicated to Victor Honey, a remarkable individual known for his humility and selflessness. Victor’s character was such that he would likely have been uncomfortable with the idea of a tribute focused solely on him, as he consistently prioritised others and placed their needs before his own. His selfless nature was evident in every aspect of his life, where he never sought personal recognition and always considered the importance of other people and causes above his own. Victor’s unwavering commitment to serving others and his belief that everyone else should come before him exemplify the depth of his character and the impact he had on those around him. I must add that Victor was married to Hester, and they were the best for each other; she will be mentioned later in this tribute.

The first anecdotal reference is a perfect manifestation of their comradeship (spicing it up with a little bit of struggle language). Victor and Hester Honey’s character was defined by their unwavering compassion and resilience in adversity. People would always knock on their door for assistance. Once, when people knocked on their door seeking directions, they did not waver in their commitment to helping those in need. However, they were tied up in their house and were robbed of valuable items. Despite this first traumatic experience of being tied up, Victor and Hester did not let fear or caution dictate their actions. Instead, they remained steadfast in their belief of helping those in need. They were robbed again and were assaulted, and landed up in hospital due to their injuries. A large amount of valuable stuff was stolen from their home, and some of these stolen items held immense sentimental value for Victor and Hester as well.

Victor’s resilience and unwavering compassion are a testament to his character, revealing a deep-rooted commitment to helping others that adversity could not shake. His actions speak volumes about his core values of empathy and kindness, showcasing an instinctive drive to aid those less fortunate, even in perilous situations. This unwavering dedication, shared with Hester, underscored their belief in the profound importance of extending a helping hand to those in need, regardless of the risks or obstacles they encountered along the way.

The Methodist Church

Victor’s deep connection to the Methodist Church of Woodstock not only shaped his spiritual beliefs, but also ignited his awareness of the injustices perpetuated by apartheid. As a Sunday school teacher and later a local preacher, he witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by individuals and communities marginalised by apartheid policies. His faith instilled in him a sense of duty to speak out against inequality and oppression, aligning with the Bible’s teachings of social justice and human dignity. When he moved to Stellenbosch to work at the university, he attended the Methodist Church in Ida’s Valley with his family. His children, Marisa, Nathan and Tim, attended the Sunday school at the church in Ida’s Valley.

This profound faith-driven commitment led Victor to engage actively in the struggle against apartheid. He recognised that the apartheid system not only violated basic human rights, but also contradicted the principles of equality and compassion central to his Christian beliefs. Motivated by a deep sense of moral responsibility, Victor became a vocal advocate for democracy, freedom and racial equality, channelling his religious convictions into tangible actions aimed at challenging and dismantling the apartheid regime. His journey from a dedicated church member to a prominent anti-apartheid activist in Stellenbosch exemplifies the transformative power of faith in inspiring individuals to stand up against injustice and fight for a better, more equitable society.

The art teacher

Victor’s journey as an art teacher started in Woodstock. He also taught at the PJ Olivier Art School and the Hugo Naudé Art School in Worcester. He spent the last 30 years of his career as an art teacher at Stellenbosch University. His career was defined by the transformative impact he had on students and his unwavering dedication to the arts. At his memorial service, some of his students accounted for this fact about Victor and spoke about it appreciatively. His teaching went beyond technical skills; it encompassed a holistic approach that nurtured creativity, critical thinking and social awareness. Through his passionate instruction, Victor encouraged students to explore diverse perspectives, challenge norms and use art as a tool for personal expression and social change. His character and dedication were evident in the way he mentored and inspired his students. His genuine care and support created a nurturing environment in which students felt empowered to take risks and push boundaries in their artistic endeavours. He encouraged them to delve deep into their artistic visions, guiding them to find their unique voices and make meaningful contributions to the art world. His teaching style was not just about imparting knowledge, but about fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility in each student, instilling in them the belief that art could be a powerful catalyst for positive transformation in society.

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Through his passionate instruction, Victor encouraged students to explore diverse perspectives, challenge norms and use art as a tool for personal expression and social change.

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Victor’s influence extended beyond the classroom, as he actively engaged with students outside of formal lessons, offering guidance, encouragement and opportunities for growth. His commitment to teaching art was not just about academic success, but about shaping individuals who were compassionate, socially conscious, and empowered to make a difference through their artistic endeavours. This holistic approach to education, coupled with his unwavering dedication, left a lasting impact on generations of students, many of whom went on to become influential artists, educators and advocates for social change.

The apartheid struggle

Victor Honey’s active participation in the struggle against apartheid, especially in a predominantly white area like Stellenbosch, was both courageous and impactful. As one of the few white individuals actively involved in anti-apartheid activities, his commitment to justice and equality stood out as a beacon of hope and solidarity within the community. His actions challenged the norms of privilege and racial segregation, highlighting the universal struggle for freedom and human rights.

As a white person in the anti-apartheid movement, Victor faced unique challenges and responsibilities. He understood the privilege afforded to him by his skin colour and socioeconomic status, and he used that privilege as a platform to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and advocate systemic change. His involvement in organising events, providing shelter to activists and speaking out against apartheid policies demonstrated his unwavering dedication to dismantling racial discrimination and creating a more equitable society.

Victor’s commitment went beyond mere words or symbolic gestures; it was reflected in his daily actions and interactions with others. He actively engaged in conversations about race, privilege and social justice, challenging prejudices and fostering understanding among his peers. By actively aligning himself with the struggle against apartheid, he exemplified the importance of solidarity and allyship in addressing systemic oppression and building a more inclusive and just society for all.

The safe house

As a safe house during the struggle against apartheid, Victor’s home exemplified his commitment to the cause and his deep sense of compassion for and solidarity with those fighting for freedom and equality. His house became a sanctuary for individuals on the run, providing them with a safe place to rest and regroup away from the prying eyes of the authorities. The anonymity and trust maintained in his safe house were crucial, as they ensured the safety and security of those seeking refuge, often involving personal risk.

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The safe house also served as a symbol of solidarity and unity within the anti-apartheid movement. It brought together people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies, united by a common goal of ending apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society.

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The decision to open his home as a safe house was not taken lightly, as it required courage and sacrifice. He understood the dangers involved for himself, his family and the individuals sheltered in his house, yet he remained steadfast in his belief that providing a haven for those fighting against apartheid was a moral imperative. His actions spoke volumes about his unwavering dedication to the struggle and his willingness to put himself on the line to support others in their quest for justice and freedom.

The safe house also served as a symbol of solidarity and unity within the anti-apartheid movement. It brought together people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies, united by a common goal of ending apartheid and building a more inclusive and just society. His role in maintaining the safe house was not only to provide physical shelter, but also to foster a sense of community and shared purpose among those involved in the struggle, highlighting his significant contribution to the resistance against oppression.

Death of Chris Hani

Organising the event that took place for the commemoration of Chris Hani is a story that Victor used to tell me often. It was an event that encapsulated a lot of what Victor stood for. The ANC approached Victor to organise a venue to commemorate the death of Chris Hani. He approached the Student Church on campus. The negotiations were sensitive. The negotiations between Victor and the representatives of the Student Church to accommodate the commemoration of Chris Hani’s assassination underscored the delicate nature of organising such an event in a historically sensitive environment. The secrecy surrounding these discussions reflected the inherent risks and challenges associated with confronting apartheid and challenging entrenched beliefs and attitudes. Both parties were keenly aware of the potential backlash and opposition from certain quarters, given the Student Church’s past associations with Afrikaner identity and support for apartheid policies. The negotiations were marked by a careful balancing act, with Victor advocating the importance of hosting the event in a space that symbolised transformation and reconciliation, while also acknowledging the need to navigate sensitivities and concerns within the Student Church community. Trust and discretion were paramount during these discussions. A leak of information could jeopardise the entire endeavour and undermine the goals of the commemoration.

Victor’s determination and persuasive skills played a crucial role in securing the Student Church as the venue for the event. His ability to build bridges, foster understanding and convey the significance of honouring Chris Hani’s memory in a space that represented both past divisions and future unity was instrumental in gaining the church’s cooperation. The successful outcome of these negotiations highlighted the power of dialogue, collaboration and mutual respect in later overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for healing, reconciliation and progress in post-apartheid South Africa.

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The choice of the Student Church as the venue for the commemoration challenged stereotypes and preconceived notions, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, diversity and collective healing for post-apartheid South Africa.

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The decision to hold a commemoration of Chris Hani’s assassination in the Student Church of Stellenbosch University carries profound significance in the context of South Africa’s history and societal transformation. The Student Church, traditionally associated with Afrikaner identity and support for apartheid, symbolises a pivotal shift in attitudes and values following the end of apartheid. By opening its doors to honour Chris Hani, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader, the Student Church demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge past injustices and engage in meaningful dialogue about reconciliation and unity.

The choice of the Student Church as the venue for the commemoration challenged stereotypes and preconceived notions, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, diversity and collective healing for post-apartheid South Africa. It represented a space of convergence and dialogue, where people from different backgrounds and ideologies could come together to reflect on the impact of apartheid, commemorate the sacrifices made during the struggle for freedom, and envision a shared future based on justice, equality and mutual respect.

The commemoration in the Student Church not only honoured Chris Hani’s memory, but also served as a powerful symbol of transformation and progress in South Africa’s journey towards a more just and inclusive society. It highlighted the potential for reconciliation and unity, even in spaces historically associated with division and segregation. The event resonated with the spirit of forgiveness, understanding and collective responsibility, signalling a new chapter in the nation’s history characterised by hope, healing and a commitment to building a brighter future for all its citizens. I think these are the reasons why this event was so important and symbolic for Victor: it contained all the ingredients of a new South Africa.

Local Government Forum

With the dawn of democracy in 1994, each locality had to negotiate the transition towards democracy at the local government level. Victor’s selection as the chairperson of the Local Government Forum in Stellenbosch represented a significant recognition of his leadership abilities and commitment to community development and empowerment. As chairperson, he navigated the intricacies of negotiating local governance in Stellenbosch, balancing diverse interests and priorities within the community. His experience in advocating social justice and equality provided valuable insight into addressing historical inequalities and promoting meaningful participation in decision-making processes. His leadership style, characterised by inclusivity, transparency and a focus on consensus-building, fostered a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among forum members, paving the way for constructive dialogue and constructive solutions. His leadership of the Local Government Forum exemplified his belief in the power of collective action and collaboration in shaping a better future for Stellenbosch and its residents.

Also read:

In memoriam: Donavan Wanza

In memoriam: Ronald Carolissen