Drawing of an unknown man in former Transkei (now Eastern Cape)
Dr Kenneth Kaunda
Dr Kaunda led Zambia first as PM then President from 1964 to 1991 during a time when SA was struggling for freedom. Under Dr Kaunda, Zambia became base for SA's liberation movements
Robben Island 1965
Amateur drawing inspired by the Daily Telegraph (British Newspaper) photograph of Nelson Mandela talking to Walter Sisulu while on Robben Island
Robben Island 1965
Additional note: according to Andrew Mlangeni prisoner number 467/64, the Daily Telegraph found them knitting jerseys & prison authorities said that's the work not hard labour however as soon as the crew from the Daily Telegraph left large rocks were brought into the prison yard & they were meant to break these into smaller stones
Onkgopotse Tiro Abram
A teacher, SASO & BCM member was killed by a parcel bomb in 1974, exiled in Botswana. Tiro rose to prominence after his anti Bantu Education speech at the University of the North(Limpopo) titled Turfloop Testimony
Rivonia Trialists
Top: Nelson Mandela(charge: conspiracy, sabotage 27 years), Walter Sisulu(charge: sabotage 25 years), Govan Mbeki(charge: sabotage 23 years and five months), Raymond Mhlaba, Bottom:Elias Motsoaledi, Andrew Mlangeni aka ministerofTransport (charge: sabotage-26 years), Ahmed Kathrada(charge: sabotage 27 years and 3 months), Denis Goldberg
iNkosi uShaka ka Senzangakhona 1787-1828
Titled: Ingonyama (Lion) Known photograph of King Shaka Zulu attributed to James Saunders King, the king of the Zulu nation is well known for military prowess, genius and organising the nation into one of the most powerful nations in Southern Africa
Sen Ted Kennedy 1979
A United States of America senator, Edward Kennedy anti apartheid activist. While Nelson Mandela was in Pollsmoor prison serving the second round of the life term, Senator Kennedy staged a protest deemed illegal by apartheid police and presented a letter demanding the release of NM. Back in US he campaigned for sanctions against apartheid and was crucial in the passing of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986
OR -Teacher, Lawyer - Commander - President
Oliver Reginald Tambo affectionately known as OR was ANC president in exile for 30 years. OR is also credited for the formation of ANC's youth league along side Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and others. The formation of the youth league marked a shift from ANCs passive resistance policy into a more militant one. A mathematics teacher known for having scored a number of awards as a student, Tambo left SA via Botswana, Tanzania, Tunisa, Ghana , Denmark reaching London. Tambo left the country at the height of the iron crushing apartheid state end of March 1960 following the Sharpville massacre and just a week before ANC was banned. Although he traveled the world holding marches and speaking at rallies he made Zambia and London his home away from home. In London he reunited with Yusuf Dadoo (South African Indian Congress), Nana Mahomo (PAC) and Fanuel Kozonguizi (SWANU)
Jabu Ndlovu
Known as Comrade Jabu, Mama uNdlovu was born in Pietermaritzburg, Imbali. She began work in 1974 at a kitchenware factory until her death 15 years later. She is credited for her involvement in the Natal Worker History Project which documented the history of the worker's struggle in KwaZulu-Natal. Her activism for worker rights and conditions saw her become a shop steward for the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). Returning from a from a national NUMSA meeting in May 1989 she was killed along her husband and oldest daughter. Flashes In Her Soul, the Life of Jabu Ndlovu traces her life
Dr KK
South Languages
South Languages
South Languages
iNkosi uDinuzulu ka Cetshwayo 1868-1913
Titled: Ingonyama (Lion) After a series of conflicts King Cetshwayo suddenly demised February 1884 from possibly poisoning. King Dinuzulu was only fifteen years old, too young to assume the responsibility. The king was taken to a place of safety and so began a deep friendship between the King and the Transvaal republic. The relations between the royal house and British Natal had detoriated following events before the war.Fast forward June 1888 after defeating supporters of the Natal government, the King again exiled to Transvaal evading capture by british troops for three months. In 1889, a "court" found King Dinuzulu, Ndabuko and Shingana, guilty of high treason & exiled them to St Helena Island. In 1897 he was released however his authority reduced. In 1906 Bambatha rebellion against tax took off and Natal arrested the King for failing to act prevent it. Louis Botha believed the King did not have a fair trial and when he became PM in 1910 ordered his release
Rev/Dr Martin L King - Political Philosopher - Humanist
Responsible for what could arguable be regarded the most famous speech of all times “I have a Dream”, Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the civil rights movement in the United States of America from 1955 until his death by assassination in 1958. King’s influence remains widespread and relevant. Born in Georgia he became a minister for the Baptist church. Dubbed a political philosopher, King had a deep relationship with Africa viewing the continent as a source of inspiration in the fight against racism; he also had strong relations with the Kennedy family known for always being on the right side of history
Bishop Colenso
Also known as Sobantu, Bishop Colenso was born in England - recruited to be Bishop of Natal in 1853. Using printing press Colenso became an important figure in South African history through his published work, these included first accounts of his travels to Natal. He is known for having trained and taught Magema Fuze Magwaza Ndiyeni and William Ngidi who went to become pioneers of the printing world. Despite controversial religious views, Colenso is also remembered for his strong support to the Zulu royal house, including his defense for King Cetshwayo and King Langalibalele who he visited while in prison on Robben Island. For this Colenso often recieved backlash and smears from the then government of Natal. After his passing her daughter Harriette Colenso continued his work.
iNkosi uFaku ka Ngqungqushe 1780-1867
Titled: iNkosi Enkulu (Supreme King), a king of the AmaMpondo nation Faku is said to have refused requests to do a potrait of him. The photograph is a photo of the statue made by artist Xhanti Mpakama. One of the largest Xhosa states, Faku ruled the amaMpondo nation for over 60 years. Faku faced a number of challenges and often chose diplomacy towards the Cape Colony, however he was also reliant on effective military and an agriculture based economy
Freedom Day
Official photograph of Nelson Mandela voting in the 1994 elections. This was the first time Mandela had voted in his life. Ohlange School, Inanda, Durban: Paul Weinberg. Behind him former President Jacob Zuma, Chairperson of ANC at the time and General (Rtd) Bantu Holomisa ANC NEC member who recieved the most number of votes at 49th ANC Conference. Ohlange institution was founded in 1901 by the first ANC president John Langalibalele Dube
Freedom -Fighter - Yeyem -Liberator
1964 charged with sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the apartheid government by revolution. In this photograph Mandela greets thousands of supporters uMlazi Stadium Durban 1994. Alexander Joe/Getty
First-Time Vote
Kgosi Sekhukhune a Sekwati 1814-1882
Titled Kgosi (Supreme King), a king of the BaPedi nation Sekhukhune is said to have been a skilled diplomat and strong military reliant. Under King Sekhukhune the BaPedi nation were also very skillful in iron manufacturing tools. Sekhukhune faced many challenges including the expansion of the Transvaal state & Cape Colony against his powerful army leading to his imprisonment and later released. Soon after a battle for the throne ensued leading to his demise at the hands of his brother Kgosi Mampuru
Kgosi Mampuru a Sekwati 1824-1883
Titled Kgosi (Supreme King), half brother to King Sekhukhune, Kgosi Mampuru claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne. After the assassination of King Sekhukhune, Mampuru fearing arrest by Transvaal exiled to the amaNdebele King Nyabela who refused to hand him over claiming he had swallowed him. After months Transvaal having sought Mampuru for refusing hut tax before, defeated besieged King Nyabela and Kgosi Mampuru was arrested later executed for rebellion against Transvaal's hut tax and for the death of Kgosi Sekhukhune
Bram Fischer
Afrikaaner Revolutionary, Lawyer
Zephania Mothopeng
Jürgen Schadeberg
Magema Fuze Magwaza
A scholar of Bishop Colenso together with William Ngidi and Ndiyeni, Fuze is the first isiZulu speaker to publish a book in the isiZulu language. Fuze is also present in Colenso's expeditions to the royal family under King Mpande, King Cetshwayo & later becomes secretary to King Dinuzulu. Fuze also published articles for the John Dube formed ILanga newspaper
William Ngidi
Khosi Makhado wa Ramavhoya 1825-1895
Titled: Khosi (Supreme King), popularly known as the Lion of the North - King Makhado a king of the VhaVhenda nation is well known for bravery and military prowess of his warriors. Makhado faced a number of challenges including his interactions with Paul Kruger in 1867 and proved a powerful force in the Northern part of South Africa. The picture is of a statue presented by Oliewenhuis Museum
Robben Island-Prince(s)
Titled: iNkosi Enkulu(Supreme King): Siyolo ka Mdushane - Maqoma ka Ngqika - Xhoxho brother to Maqoma- (W Moore, 1869)
iNkosi uHintsa ka Khawuta - 1810-1893
Titled: iNkosi Enkulu(Supreme King), a king of the right hand house of the Xhosa nation amaGcaleka, Hintsa is said to have been generous to the poor, also known for wise sayings. With an organised and regular army, King Hintsa faced a number of challenges including the expansion of the Cape Colony state, nominating himself as insurance to settle a cattle dispute with Harry Smith, Hintsa soon realised he was a hostage leading to his demise as he tried to escape the camp
Francisco de Almeida 1510
Portuguese Soldier and Explorer
Dr Bhodloza Nzimande /source: SABC
Ingelengele Saba Ka Mbixane /source: Sowetan
Autshumao 1610-1674 /source: Camissa
Having interacted with Autshumao(Harry) as his interpreter, in 1658 Jan Van Riebeeck grew suspcious of him bannishing Autshumao, Jan Coo & Boubo to Robben Island. In 1659 Autshumao escaped Robben Island by boat
Rev Jesse Jackson
iNkosi uNyabela Ka Mabhoko Mahlangu 1825 -1902
Titled: Ingwenyama (Lion).Mnguni, had four sons: umXhosa ka Mnguni (father to Malangana ka umXhosa), Luzumane (Zulu) (father to Malandela ka Luzumane), MSwati and Ndebele. It is under King Shaka ka Senzangakhona and King Tshawe ka Nkosiyamntu that the nations are called amaZulu and amaXhosa. Ndebele broke away about 1550 AD. King Nyabela is known for having granted shelter to King Sekhukhune. In July 1883 Nyabela, Litho Mahlangu (Commander), Mgibe (Commander), Kgosi Mampuru and other leaders were taken to Pretoria. Kgosi Mampuru was executed and King Nyabela was given a death sentence turned life sentence
OR Mozambique 1981- Matola Raid
On the morning of January 30, 1981, South African troops attacked and killed a number of ANC members and Mozambique citizens in Matola, Mozambique. In the photograph Tambo spoke at the funeral of the victims on 8 February 1981
End of an era
1994, Judge Johann Kriegler, IEC head informs President Mangope, premier of the then “Independent Homeland” Bophutatswana, that the homeland will be terminated after elections and become part of South Africa (now Mahikeng, North West Province). Photograph -Paul Weinberg
Neville Alexander
Prisoner 363/64. Arriving to elders such as Nelson Mandela and Sisulu, Neville Alexander spent 10 years on Robben Island (1964-1974). A library at the University of Freestate is named after him
King Cetshwayo visits London to meet Queen Victoria 1882. Source: Taylor and Francis
Coming from a continent rated little at the time, the Zulu King's visit to London marked a challenge for preconcieved stereotypes and beliefs
South Languages
South Languages
South Languages
