Friends, family pay tribute to fearless fighter Coetzee

[caption id="attachment_36957" align="alignright" width="405"] SAD TIME: Family and friends at the memorial for Michael Coetzee at the FamHealth Medical Centre in Gelvandale. Picture: BRIAN WITBOOI[/caption]

NELSON Mandela Bay's politicians, academics, community and family members paid tribute to secretary of parliament and freedom fighter Michael Coetzee at a memorial service in Gelvandale last night.

Coetzee, 54, who spent his early childhood on a farm in the Loerie and Thornhill district, died peacefully in Cape Town on Friday after a long battle with cancer.

Coetzee's career in politics began when he was exposed to the Black Consciousness Movement in high school in Uitenhage, and was involved in setting up a branch of the SA Student Movement in 1976.

At the memorial service yesterday, long-time friend Percy Smith said Coetzee had always seen the fun side of life. "I was privileged to be with him the day before he died and he was sharing jokes while he was gasping for breath. That day he said, 'Don't worry when I catch my breath, I will share a good joke'."

Smith said the struggle veteran had left an indelible mark.

"He was always clear in his thinking, about where he stood in life and he was always an inspiration."

Smith said Cape Town-based Coetzee, who was known as Mikey in the northern areas, had visited Port Elizabeth a lot while he was sick and had never allowed illness to get in the way of his dreams.

Smith presented a slide-show depicting different moments in Coetzee's life in Port Elizabeth, especially in the northern areas, and said the former freedom fighter had come from a loving family and that was reflected in his life until he died.

Jasmine Williams, who is part of a support group for comrades and their families, said Coetzee had never lost his faith, even during the last days of his illness.

"He was always joyful, and was always more concerned about his family than himself.

"When we were praying for him in Cape Town, he was always more worried about his mommy than himself.

"To his last day, he knew that prayer was important.

"He was fine at all times."

Jeff Govender, speaking on behalf of the family, said his father-in-law was focused, brave, determined and always broad-thinking.

"And he was an outstanding cook – he could cook anything he set his mind to. He also loved the finer things in life."

Govender said he had been amazed at the power of Coetzee's brain, which had stayed sharp until his last day. "Even in his last moments, he knew and commented on his mother's new hairstyle – he was always aware of the people around him."

A number of former comrades paid tribute to Coetzee. They included Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz, who also spoke at a service held earlier in Cape Town.

This week, politicians all over the country paid tribute to Coetzee.

ANC chief whip Stone Sizani said although Coetzee's poor health had been known for some time, his resilient and tenacious spirit had given everyone hope he would get stronger.

President Jacob Zuma remembered Coetzee for his dedication to the struggle for liberation.

"Coetzee epitomised humility, dedication and service to the people in all the tasks he had been given as an activist and also as a professional," Zuma said.

The Northern Areas People's Development Initiative also paid tribute to Coetzee yesterday.

Neil Campher said Coetzee was a gallant freedom fighter and activist, a true son of the northern areas.

"Michael Coetzee has for a generation been a shining example of a selfless leader and fighter for non-racial, equal society wherein the development of our people is a sacrifice we must choose above all else.

"As NAPDI, we honour the legacy of people like Micheal Coetzee and his contribution to both the struggle and his role in defining a new SA as our parliament's top official.

"The northern areas can only be a better place when, through your example, current and future generations and leaders live the values you so clearly shared and lived to your dying day. Hamba Kahle, Tot siens and Rus in Vrede."

Coetzee is survived by his mother Bertha, sister Alexandra, brother Reggie, wife Bridgette, and son Matthew. His funeral service will be tomorrow at St George's Cathedral in Cape Town. - Thulani Gqirana