For some, non-violence is religion. For Lulama "Smuts" Ngonyama it's choice. A unique revolutionary, he is both political leader and community development activist who has held onto his passionate commitment to reconciliation as South Africa makes one last attempt at transformation. He always offered a cup of coffee to police when they would arrive to take him to detention.

For three years Smuts Ngonyama's life is threatened by the Ciskei homeland leaders who do not want to relinquish power to the ANC. He is forced to send his family away and abandon his township home when it is riddled with machine gun fire.

Smuts does not leave his community. A leader has an example to set. He cannot run. Smuts still goes to the homes and funerals of his ANC colleagues that the forces have assassinated. He speaks out against the bloodshed. He arranges meetings that create a cease-fire, a tenuous peace that lasts for six months.

But in 1993 the violence escalates. Negotiations are stalled. The region's blood pressure goes off the scale. Smuts calls for a prayer for peace meeting in the local city hall. Thousands of all races arrive. Side by side white matrons and black maids sing and pray. Many weep; their message is clear. When given the opportunity, many South Africans still stand for peace and reconciliation.