Tribute to Professor Renfrew Christie: A South African Icon

Key Takeaways

• Renfrew Christie was a South African anti-apartheid activist who played a crucial role in disrupting the country’s nuclear weapons program.
• He was detained and tortured by the Security Police, but continued to fight against apartheid, even from prison.
• Christie’s actions led to a significant setback for the apartheid regime, including the sabotage of the Koeberg nuclear reactor in 1982.
• After his release from prison, Christie went on to become a respected academic and intellectual, serving as dean of research at the University of the Western Cape and making significant contributions to the field of national defense.
• He was a complex and multifaceted individual, known for his intellectual dexterity, sense of humor, and love of life.

Introduction to Renfrew Christie
Renfrew Christie was born in 1949 in Johannesburg, South Africa. His early life was marked by hardship and struggle, as his mother worked to make ends meet after his father’s death. Despite these challenges, Christie developed a strong sense of justice and a determination to fight against apartheid, which he saw as an evil system that perpetuated racism and oppression. As a young man, Christie was inspired by the stories of his family and friends who had fought against the Nazis in World War II, and he vowed to do his part to bring an end to apartheid.

Christie’s Activism and Arrest
Christie’s activism against apartheid began in earnest when he was a student at the University of the Witwatersrand. He was detained four times by the Security Police, but continued to fight against the regime, even from prison. In 1979, Christie was arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act, after being betrayed by a police spy named Craig Williamson. Despite being tortured and held in solitary confinement, Christie refused to give up, and he continued to gather information and make plans to disrupt the apartheid regime’s nuclear weapons program.

The Sabotage of the Koeberg Nuclear Reactor
Christie’s actions ultimately led to the sabotage of the Koeberg nuclear reactor in 1982, which was a significant setback for the apartheid regime. The sabotage was carried out by MK operatives Rodney Wilkinson and Heather Grey, who had been recruited by Christie and had gained access to the reactor site by posing as workers. The attack damaged the reactor and delayed the apartheid regime’s nuclear weapons program by at least 18 months, at a cost of half a billion rands.

Christie’s Later Life and Career
After his release from prison, Christie went on to become a respected academic and intellectual, serving as dean of research at the University of the Western Cape. He made significant contributions to the field of national defense, and was known for his intellectual dexterity and sense of humor. Christie was also a complex and multifaceted individual, who loved life and loved to explore new horizons in conversation and debate. He was a proud husband and father, and he loved his family and his community with all his heart.

Christie’s Legacy
Renfrew Christie’s legacy is one of courage, determination, and intellectual curiosity. He was a true South African hero, who fought against apartheid and worked tirelessly to build a more just and equitable society. His contributions to the field of national defense are still remembered and respected today, and his love of life and his sense of humor continue to inspire those who knew him. As a nation, we owe a great debt to Christie and to all those who fought against apartheid, and we must continue to work towards building a more just and equitable society, where all people can live with dignity and respect.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Renfrew Christie was a remarkable individual, who made significant contributions to the fight against apartheid and to the field of national defense. His courage, determination, and intellectual curiosity continue to inspire us today, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. We must continue to work towards building a more just and equitable society, where all people can live with dignity and respect, and we must never forget the sacrifices and contributions of those who fought against apartheid, including Renfrew Christie.