09 October 2001

South African Victim of World Trade Center Attack Is Buried

By David Pitts
Washington File Staff Correspondent

Cape Town, South Africa -- "If you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere." This is what Nick Rowe's parents said he strongly believed -- the words from the Frank Sinatra hit "New York, New York." But Rowe did not make it in New York. He was among the 6,000 people who died in the attacks on the United States -- one of the victims from 80 countries other than America.

He was buried October 7, one of a number of South Africans believed to have died in the September 11 attacks. At his funeral, pride was mixed with grief as the lyrics of Sinatra's triumphant song were played to those who came to remember his life. "It was a mercy that Nick was one of the first found and identified," his father told the gathering. "I have brought Nick back to Cape Town, as it is the best we have to offer and this expresses our care."

Rowe was a 29-year-old computer programmer who, by all accounts, loved his job and loved New York. His funeral, widely reported by the press in this city, brought home to many just how far the tragedy in New York and Washington has reached.

Both the South African and American flags were draped on the Rowes' front door in tribute to the two countries their son loved best. Mourners sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the coffin carrying his body was lowered into his grave amid trees on a hill behind his parents' house overlooking the bay.

His father said a stone would be placed near his son's grave, which will say: "Nicholas Charles Alexander Rowe. Born on St. Patrick's Day, 1973. Killed with almost 6,000 others in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. A beautiful man loved by men, women and children."

In an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) that also took place October 7, President Thabo Mbeki expressed sorrow at the human toll taken on September 11 and said South Africa is "firmly committed to participating in a process that enables us to deal with the people who were responsible for this criminal act." He said he favored "a united global response" to fighting terrorism.

Mbeki, who was the first African leader to condemn the September 11 attacks, was among the world leaders whom U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell phoned shortly after the military strikes on Afghanistan began later in the day local time. South Africa currently holds the chair of the non-aligned countries group.

The South African government said it "remains in touch with the United States government and all role players" concerning the military action in Afghanistan. Ronnie Mamoepa, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, added: "The government will continue to monitor developments."