Despite the repressive shadow of apartheid looming over the country, two young men’s interracial friendship thrived during this trying period.
Napoleon Manwatha has been looking for his long-lost childhood friend, Anthony Nathan, for many years.
The two met in December 1988 while Manwatha was visiting his uncle, who worked in Nathan’s area near Morningside in Johannesburg.
As they exchanged niceties, a deep bond developed between them.
“I grew up in Venda, while Anthony lived near Morningside. We met because Anthony lived near my uncle’s workplace, and I would visit him when I went to see my uncle. That’s where our friendship developed,” said Manwatha.
In 1991, Manwatha returned to the University of Pretoria as a student, and the friends lost contact.
Manwatha mentioned that he had phoned Nathan’s parents multiple times, who informed him that his best friend had relocated abroad.
He also bemoaned that he had exhausted all possibilities in his lengthy hunt for Nathan.
“I have been actively searching for Anthony for many years. I phoned his parents several times, and they told me he was living abroad. I also tried searching for him online, including on LinkedIn, where I found out that he’s currently working as a senior software engineer.
“I contacted the company, but they didn’t provide his contact details, although they wished me luck. I even sent a photo to newspapers in hopes of locating him, but unfortunately, that did not work. Despite these efforts, it was difficult to track him down,” said Manwatha.
Despite racial segregation being at the forefront during their friendship, their interracial bond was not affected by apartheid.
“Our friendship was strong and transcended the racial and political divisions of the time. Apartheid did not affect our bond,” said Manwatha.
He recalled they shared quite special moments as friends.
“We shared many special moments, such as when I named my first child after him to honour our friendship. Our friendship was special, and even though we had some communication when he sent me R2 250 during my time of unemployment. I still have a photo of him that he sent by post as proof of our strong connection,” said Manwatha.
Manwatha said losing contact with his best friend had left a deep void in his heart, and finding Nathan would rekindle their friendship.
“Losing contact with Anthony has left a significant gap in my life, losing touch has been difficult. Not knowing where he is, or not being able to reach him has affected me emotionally over the years.
“Finding Anthony would mean everything to me. It would restore the deep connection we shared, and I hope to see him before I die. He was the best friend I ever had, and reuniting would bring closure to my search,” said Manwatha.
For any developing information in search of Nathan, the public can contact Manwatha at: 072 458 9024 and manwathar3@gmail.com
