Doing It For Democracy
Drum English|22 December 2016

Retired IEC chair Dr Brigalia Bam is full of life at 83. At her Pretoria home, we learn her battle for democracy isn’t over yet.

Mziwakhe Hlangani
Doing It For Democracy

AGEING is unfair because it cannot be reversed, she tells us. But this 83-year-old, who refuses to sit back and do nothing in her golden years, almost seems to have escaped its effects. On the contrary, Dr Brigalia Ntombem hlophe Bam is as active as ever, and her love for community service means she will never really retire.

Her name is still synonymous with the Independent Electoral Commission. Officially she retired in 2012, after 12 years as its Chairperson, but she continues to be involved in electoral work both at home and all over the continent. Among other things, she was involved in the most recent local elections as an observer, and she heads up a conflict resolution team in the so-called “Panel of the Wise” that advises the African Union’s Peace and Security Council.

When she’s not keeping tabs on our constitutional rights, Sis Hlophe, as she’s affectionately known, hides out in the leafy suburb of Lynnwood outside Pretoria. The recipient of seven honorary doctorates welcomes us to her luxury French-style villa, and immediately we see she’s lost none of her wit and sparkle.

Her spacious lounge is a testament to her career: it’s decked with impressive metal sculptures – mostly gifts from African leaders – and her walls are adorned with celebrity photographs. There’s one of her with Nelson Mandela, and she tells us it’s precious because it was taken when Thabo Mbeki was recalled as President.

Never one to miss an opportunity for justice, Dr Bam says she regrets that Mbeki was recalled by the ANC leadership, and not by Parliamentary or ordinary party members.

Esta historia es de la edición 22 December 2016 de Drum English.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición 22 December 2016 de Drum English.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE DRUM ENGLISHVer todo
Homegrown Heroes
Drum English

Homegrown Heroes

Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
The Big Clean Up
Drum English

The Big Clean Up

Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
I'm Back & Better!
Drum English

I'm Back & Better!

Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
Not An Easy Ride
Drum English

Not An Easy Ride

Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules

time-read
5 minutos  |
16 July 2020
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Drum English

Mam' Mary Bows Out

Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent

time-read
6 minutos  |
16 July 2020
‘They Lived For Each Other'
Drum English

‘They Lived For Each Other'

This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too

time-read
6 minutos  |
9 July 2020
Stranger Than Fiction
Drum English

Stranger Than Fiction

For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020
I Was Raped By A Pastor
Drum English

I Was Raped By A Pastor

His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out

time-read
5 minutos  |
16 July 2020
My Fight With Life And Death
Drum English

My Fight With Life And Death

More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience

time-read
6 minutos  |
16 July 2020
I AM ENOUGH
Drum English

I AM ENOUGH

Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest

time-read
5 minutos  |
9 July 2020