One of President Barack Obama’s closest allies, US ambassador to South Africa, Patrick Gaspard, yesterday made a personal journey to the graveside of revered murdered Mthatha nun, Sister Mary Paul Tacke.
A year ago, on June 15, the 82-year-old US-born Catholic nun was found floating in a river near Nyandeni Great Place near Libode.
She had been kidnapped the day before, on June 14, as she finished delivering food to her children’s project, Thembelihle Home, in Norwood in Mthatha.
Two young men, one a convicted robber, the other convicted previously for possessing an unlicensed firearm, were arrested in connection with the crime.
The kidnap and murder caused an uproar in Mthatha’s NGO sector, leading to court protests.
Prior to his appointment as ambassador, Gaspard was executive director of the Democratic National Committee, a position he held since 2011 and played a leadership role in Obama’s re-election campaigning.
But yesterday, the former New York trade unionist who soared to political heights cut a humble and respectful figure as he visited the Catholic convent in Ikhwezi Township and accompanied the nuns to Tacke’s grave where he laid a wreath of flowers.
Gaspard then closed his eyes and prayed silently with the sisters singing softly.
The ambassador visited Bethany Home for abandoned children nearby where he had a private meeting with director Rose Kasumbi.
He then joined 73 children whose ages range from a few weeks old to six. He donated two soccer balls and books, reading from one, Of Thee I sing: A letter written to my daughters” which was written by Obama.
Bethany, like Thembelilhle, was close to Tacke’s heart and survived on funds and donations she helped raise from the US and other countries.
Gaspard said: “The USA is paying full attention to the trial of the two young men. We want to make certain there is justice and resolution for the community. We want to ensure there is still an umbilical cord between us, the USA government, and the projects that were run by Sister Paul.”
He urged the nuns to draw strength from Tacke’s work.
Sister Kirin Madikizela of the convent, Thembelihle Home director Phumeza Mqhayi and Bethany Home director, Rose Kasumbu, said they were honoured by the ambassador’s visit which symbolised a continuing connection to the “American people”.
“The connection that Sister Paul created still exists.”
In an exclusive interview at the Daily Dispatch offices early yesterday, Gaspard said he had come to memorialise “the commitment this incredible nun made to South African people, orphans and vulnerable people.
“She met a gruesome end and I was determined to come and say someone died and lived here and made a huge connection between our two peoples.”
Life of Sister Paul honoured by US ambassador
A year ago, on June 15, the 82-year-old US-born Catholic nun was found floating in a river near Nyandeni Great Place near Libode.
She had been kidnapped the day before, on June 14, as she finished delivering food to her children’s project, Thembelihle Home, in Norwood in Mthatha.
Two young men, one a convicted robber, the other convicted previously for possessing an unlicensed firearm, were arrested in connection with the crime.
The kidnap and murder caused an uproar in Mthatha’s NGO sector, leading to court protests.
Prior to his appointment as ambassador, Gaspard was executive director of the Democratic National Committee, a position he held since 2011 and played a leadership role in Obama’s re-election campaigning.
But yesterday, the former New York trade unionist who soared to political heights cut a humble and respectful figure as he visited the Catholic convent in Ikhwezi Township and accompanied the nuns to Tacke’s grave where he laid a wreath of flowers.
Gaspard then closed his eyes and prayed silently with the sisters singing softly.
The ambassador visited Bethany Home for abandoned children nearby where he had a private meeting with director Rose Kasumbi.
He then joined 73 children whose ages range from a few weeks old to six. He donated two soccer balls and books, reading from one, Of Thee I sing: A letter written to my daughters” which was written by Obama.
Bethany, like Thembelilhle, was close to Tacke’s heart and survived on funds and donations she helped raise from the US and other countries.
Gaspard said: “The USA is paying full attention to the trial of the two young men. We want to make certain there is justice and resolution for the community. We want to ensure there is still an umbilical cord between us, the USA government, and the projects that were run by Sister Paul.”
He urged the nuns to draw strength from Tacke’s work.
Sister Kirin Madikizela of the convent, Thembelihle Home director Phumeza Mqhayi and Bethany Home director, Rose Kasumbu, said they were honoured by the ambassador’s visit which symbolised a continuing connection to the “American people”.
“The connection that Sister Paul created still exists.”
In an exclusive interview at the Daily Dispatch offices early yesterday, Gaspard said he had come to memorialise “the commitment this incredible nun made to South African people, orphans and vulnerable people.
“She met a gruesome end and I was determined to come and say someone died and lived here and made a huge connection between our two peoples.”
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