My Own Liberator: A Memoir

by Dikgang Moseneke

In My Own Liberator, Dikgang Moseneke, recently retired Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court in South Africa, pays homage to the many people and places that have helped to define and shape him. In tracing his ancestry, the influence on both his maternal and paternal sides is evident in the values they imbued in their children – the importance of family, the value of hard work and education, an uncompromising moral code, compassion for those less fortunate and unflinching refusal to accept an unjust political regime or acknowledge its oppressive laws.

As a young activist in the Pan-Africanist Congress, at the tender age of fifteen, Moseneke was arrested, detained and, in 1963, sentenced to ten years on Robben Island for participating in anti-apartheid activities. Physical incarceration, harsh conditions and inhumane treatment could not imprison the political prisoners’ minds, however, and for many the Island became a school not only in politics but an opportunity for dedicated study, formal and informal. It set the young Moseneke on a path towards a law degree that would provide the bedrock for a long and fruitful legal career and see him serve his country in the highest court.

My Own Liberator charts Moseneke’s rise as one of the country’s top legal minds, who not only helped to draft the interim constitution, but for fifteen years acted as a guardian of that constitution for all South Africans, helping to make it a living document for the country and its people.

“This memoir is a fascinating account of the formation of the cadres who would have the responsibility both to help liberate our country and attend to its reconstruction and development.” Thabo Mbeki

Genres: South Africa, Nonfiction, Memoir

470 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2016

Reviews

[Joss Du Trevou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any South African interested in the plight of a struggle veteran. An inspiring story of someone who went from being a political prisoner to holding the position of deputy Chief Justice of our constitutional court. Once again we are reminded of the atrocities of apartheid, and at the same time in awe of what this incredible individual achieved in spite of the odds stacked up against him.

[Salem Lorot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this memoir, I got inspired by the trajectory life takes: the uncertainties, the twists (like being put up at Robben Island for 10 years), the purpose life thrusts at us( the liberation struggles, the apartheid dark clouds), the good turns (a law practice, roles post-apartheid, being a judge, overseeing an election etc).

And still there is the nagging question which the book leaves towards the end of the book. The question of economic inequality in South Africa. The question whether the struggle was in vain.

I like the thesis of the book. That we are our own liberators.

Congratulations, Dikgang Moseneke. I await your next memoir.

[Bruce Harbour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read of the life and times of a committed member of the legal profession. From being sentenced to 10 years on Robben Island at aged 15 to becoming Deputy Chief Justice. An interesting, but topical, link to Peter Hain by eay of his.mother who supported Dikgang during his trial

[Nthabiseng Malehlohonolo Motsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the writing and storytelling. An inspiring life. A reminder that there are many unsung heros who fought for the liberation of black South Africans. This perspective, by a legal activist was refreshing and insightful.

I loved how he drew the line between being a politician and an activist. He chose a role and carved out a career that would help him best achieve the goals of that role.He chose the people of South Africa and justice.

I look forward to reading his second offering 'All Rise'.

[KA Timbuktu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schoolboy activist coming of age in apartheid South Africa.... growing up to resent the regime & resist it. Great legal memoir of a struggle lawyer. The book reminds us of the forgotten activist youth of the 60s... Dikgang was one of the child rebels of the day who where charged with the high treason of overthrowing the state. I particulay like the chapter on literacy behind bars where Dikgang a prison bookworm himself taught the unlettered prison mates to read & write.

[Warwick Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dikgang Moseneke must be one of the most impressive diamonds to have been forged in the pressure cooker that was the struggle for freedom against the might and brutality of the Apartheid regime.

He is most well known as a justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, but his story as a revolutionary starts with his imprisonment on Robbin Island at age 15 for a decade. Here we see for the first time how Moseneke starts living his creed of self agency - fighting for the right to study and then getting multiple degrees during his sentence.

After his release he fought the unjust system to become an activist attorney and then the first black advocate and first black silk in his judicial region. He achieved this by fighting for what he believed was right and just, and by working hard and being bloody smart about it.

The closing of the book was most meaningful to me. His thoughts on his family and their losses and on his country and his opinions on how we best tackle our challenges.

The epilogue is particularly powerful. I don't believe that the average South African gives enough thought to the power of their own agency-their role in their own opportunities and prospects. If we learn one thing from Moseneke's example, it is that we should believe in our talents and work hard to make a success of them.

He certainly did. And for that, every South African should be appreciative.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A memoir of a remarkable man whose career trajectory belies his humble early start. Constitutional Court judge and deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke was arrested, tortured and sent to Robben Island for a decade when he was a PAC activist of just 15 years old. The story of how he studied law and made the most of his difficult situation while a political prisoner is uplifting more than entirely depressing. Resilience, humility, strong family values, intelligence and an uncompromising self-belief win through. It is quite challenging to keep up with the legions of activists he names in playing a role in transforming SA. I found it interesting in the Epilogue that he, a highly educated man himself, in reflecting on whether the struggle was worth it, fails to give education any role at all. What does comes across strongly is his belief that social change has not kept abreast of political transformation. Yet Moseneke - incredibly - does not express as much rancour against the evil apartheid regime as one would expect; it is because he lives out the conviction that through self-empowerment and hard work we are our own liberators. This gives Moseneke, a SA patriot and hero, his dignity and success. An elegantly written memoir.

[Mikateko Ndhambi · Rating 5 out of 5]

an interesting read, well written in simple language for any person to enjoy reading. The stories that illustrate the life of Judge Moseneke allows the reader to experience the lifestyle of that era. My favorite quote from the book "You cannot merely dream about your revolutionary ideals. You have to take real and concrete steps to pursue those legitimate ideals". It all starts with ME taking real concrete steps.

[Shika Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best autobiography I have ever read. You, sir, you are an African hero! A source of pride. This memoir is beautifully written and well-researched! Mr Moseneke has truly outdone himself in his memoir.

[Harold Ngobeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liberating

I learnt a lot. Highly recommended, also humbled me into thinking more before I express and opinion about what happened in SA and how and why things happen in a particular way.

[Maggie Mojapelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful read indeed. I can’t wait for the next be book by Dikgang

- very well written book
- beautiful language
- I wish every South African child can read it
- A true liberating book that I feel it has also liberated myself

[Tumi Makhubele · Rating 5 out of 5]

All time favourite. I've always been a fan of former Deputy Chief Justice, and was extremely excited to purchase this book. Great lessons on how you are the key to your own freedom

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hidden hero of the struggle.

The anti apartheid struggle had many hero’s. This great lawyer. The pan African congress is lesser known but no less vital. Heir to greatness

[Rakgadi Khobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book, informative and yet entertaining

[Kgosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read about life during apartheid, transitioning of South Africa into the new democracy and of course Dikgang Moseneke's role in all of this and more about his personal life during this period.

[Chris Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unadulterated history on South Africa! He's an excellent writer.

[Emelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eigentlich das Buch mit dem Titel von Wattpad.

[Molebatsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great story of a freedom fighter who became the Deputy Chief Justice of his country.
The book walks the reader through the life of retired Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke. This is his story as it is the story of the South African struggle for liberation.

[Wayne Jordaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been of the opinion that retired judge Moseneke should have been Judge-President of South Africa, and that the only reason he was overlooked was because of his PAC background. I might still be right, however, at least in this book, Thabo Mbeki indicates that he would have appointed DM in that position. That is if his tenure as president was not terminated in the manner it was. I am looking forward to the rest of this memoir.