Today [27 February], we pause to remember one of the great warriors of our race, uBaw’uHlathi, uMangaliso Sobukwe. 41 years ago, on this day, he died mysteriously at the Kimberley hospital (now Robert Sobukwe hospital), in the Land of Kgosi Galeshewe.

Celebrating 90 years for Mama Sobukwe is a major feat. It is a sterling life which is exemplary for all, young and old, men and women, that one can serve, suffer and sacrifice for freedom. Her circumstances do not differ much from those of Afrikan women in the rural areas and at the bottom of the pyramid in the social structure.

Contrary to repeated claims, the Soweto Uprising of 40 years ago was organised and led by student members of the Black Consciousness Movement of Steve Biko. They are the people who politicised other students and imbued them with the revolutionary black consciousness philosophy. They were all found guilty of sedition in the Soweto 11 trial.