At a recent author’s talk, Professor Gertrude Fester shared her story about her book Prison Notebook V2957/88 as a South African political detainee who endured 104 days of solitary confinement under the apartheid-era Terrorism Act before standing trial alongside 13 other activists in what became known as the Yengeni Trial.
A Q&A session was held at Wynberg Library on Thursday, April 23, focusing on Professor Fester’s book, which highlights the courage, faith, and resilience of women who endured imprisonment and persecution during the anti-apartheid struggle.
The aim of the rendition reflected “both a personal testimony and a call for women to record their own histories before they are forgotten or distorted,” said Professor Fester.
“I always believed that women should write about their prison and struggle experiences,” she said.
“In the 1980s, we were interviewed by women from the North about our anti-apartheid struggles, but they often got it wrong and distorted our experiences. We realised we have to tell our own stories.”
The book focuses largely on prison experiences, including solitary confinement, while also weaving in autobiographical reflections, women’s activism, and lessons from reconciliation efforts abroad.
“Most chapters are about prison experiences, but I was encouraged to include my childhood and women’s struggles. My experience teaching in Rwanda also inspired me to interview my interrogator and include a chapter on reconciliation practices,” she said.
At its core, the memoir is a story of endurance. Professor Fester recalled composing a play in her head during solitary confinement and drawing strength from fellow comrades and her faith.
“It is about resilience and survival. I would not have survived solitary confinement without the help of my God and creator. Prayer strengthened me,” she said.
She also revealed that at one point she contemplated suicide, even considering drowning herself in the toilet, but her faith stopped her.
After her release, she chose to let go of anger.
“I realised I was making myself a prisoner of resentment. I decided to let the past remain in the past and not hold on to anger, knowing it would harm my health and well-being.”
Her experiences as an anti-apartheid activist shaped both the content and purpose of the book. “The struggle taught us the importance of sharing our experiences and the lessons we learned. We were inspired by the commitment of our political leaders and comrades,” she said.
Professor Fester, who helped establish several women’s organisations, said the book also addresses historical omissions.
“We honour our male leaders, but women’s struggles have often been marginalised. Women were central to establishing organisations like the UDF, yet they were hardly mentioned. We need to document our own experiences,” she said.
Her years in education also shaped her views, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving dignity and equality.
“Our trial is a microcosm of South Africa today - there is still so much poverty and unemployment. Those were the things we were fighting for: dignity and equality for all. This we have not yet achieved,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasised humility and lifelong learning. “I am what I am through the grace of God. I learn every day - from my students and fellow citizens. I am still learning to manage time, to delegate, and to accept what I can and cannot do.”
She hopes younger generations will draw inspiration from the sacrifices that shaped modern South Africa.
“What we have today came through the struggles of our ancestors. Young people must appreciate our democracy, vote, work for peace, and realise the rights in our Constitution. They must be proud South Africans,” she said.
Following the launch, she plans to continue documenting women’s histories.
“I am working on another book, Singing, struggling and still we survive. It will explore more aspects of women’s struggles, including the creative and joyful moments, because the struggle can also be fun,” she said.
For more information, contact Professor Fester at gertrudefester@gmail.com or WhatsApp her at 082 373 4419.
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