Born 5 December 1924 in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape Died 27 February 1978
“We are fighting for the noblest cause on earth, the liberation of mankind…there is only one race, the human race. Multi racialism is racism multiplied.”
Sobukwe became known to his supporters as “Prof” because of his educational achievements following his studies at Fort Hare University and lecturing African Studies at Wits. As founder of the Pan Africanist Congress, Sobukwe also joined the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League and held the secretary position of the organisation’s branch in Standerton.
As a strong believer in non-racialism, Sobukwe spoke out against the ANC while he held the position of editor at The Africanist newspaper, saying that the ANC was allowing itself to be dominated by “liberal-left-multi-racialists”.
In 1960, Sobukwe was convicted of incitement after marching against the Pass Law which required black people to carry a pass on them at all times. He was imprisoned at Robben Island and released in 1969 under house arrest, following which he studied law and started his own practice in 1975. He was still under house arrest when he passed away in 1977 due to lung cancer.
SHARE
