Professor Denis Goldberg, Shikaya’s patron, has been awarded the Order of Luthuli, the highest order of the land. This order is South Africa’s most prestigious award and is granted by the president to those who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy.

Denis Goldberg was sentenced to four life terms in prison along with Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial for attempting “to overthrow the apartheid state through force of arms”. He spent 22 years inmrisoned at Pretoria Central.

Over the last year, Denis Goldberg has been visiting Facing the Past classrooms in the Western Cape and speaking to the Facing the Past teachers at various workshops and seminars.

After a visit from Denis, a learner, James, said, “I should be grateful that I am a South African, because we have such a rich history and some of our heroes are still alive to share their experience with us during the harsh times”.

Another learner, Yandisa, added,“People fought for our country now it is up to us to carry on the torch and use opportunities we have as a nation.”

Denis was recently invited to a Facing the Past Introductory Seminar, where he spoke to teachers about his life during apartheid. Many teachers were touched by his story.

One teacher said, “Denis,Oh so lovely to be near him and listen to this living legacy.”

Denis said that, “Meeting and speaking to the teachers was exciting because of their interest in the past and desire to understand it better, it was a great experience”.

Denis Goldberg will be visiting more Facing the Past classrooms during 2009.