Johannes Radebe: Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

The question

Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

My father because I was 12 when he passed and I blamed him for everything in my parents’ marriage. Now I realise he did the best he could and was just figuring life out like everybody else.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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George Takei

As a teenager I told my father, “You led us into the camp like sheep to slaughter.” I knew I had hurt him, this man that I loved so much. That’s haunted me all my life.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 November 2019 source ↗

Michelle Dockery British actress

A teacher at my secondary school. We used to write and sing songs about him. Sorry, Sir! You were a great teacher.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 January 2020 source ↗

Burt Reynolds American actor

Dozens of women – I think you’ll figure out why.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 November 2015 source ↗

Jenna Coleman English actress

Anybody who’s written to me and not heard back yet.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 February 2019 source ↗

More from Johannes Radebe

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Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Absolutely nothing. It’s a privilege.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Lack of empathy and compassion.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

When my UK citizenship was approved. It’s taken me eight years and lots and lots of money. I was at home in South Africa when I received the news and my mum said, “I am so happy for you because this is your glitterball.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗