He shared many anecdotes and stories from his life, which not only had the students mesmerised but thoroughly entertained.
His message to parents was that we should not pass on our baggage to the younger generation and to the students. He motivated them to make South Africa the country they wanted it to be. He urged them to “marinade” in education and to stay in it as long as possible, saying that there was no rush to get out into the working world until they have learnt as much as they can.
When asked about the spirit of ubuntu in South Africa, Dr Kani told the students a lovely story of his childhood, where his mother forced him to stay inside and finish eating his apple so that he would get the full nutrition of the apple, as she knew John would go out and cut the apple into thin slices and share it with all the children in the neighbourhood. This is the same John Kani that the students at Waterstone College got to see, a man of such gentle benevolence and generosity. He came in in an unassuming way, with no entourage, pomp or ceremony and just chatted to the students like an old friend.
He stayed much longer than the school had asked for, taking the time to allow photographs to be taken and to sign autographs. The students were so affected by him that he was given a standing ovation, and they stood waving him off, as he drove out of the premises, speaking about him for long after he had left.
This is a man who touches lives and the students and staff who were touched into the essence of their souls by his words, his stories and messages, and by the man himself! Siyabonga kakhulu, Dr John Kani.
