Benjamin Pogrund Knihy

Archbishop Desmond Tutu remarked on Sobukwe's profound influence, stating that knowing him was a privilege and lamenting his tragic imprisonment and early death. This book serves as a testament to the complexities of black liberation politics and honors a remarkable man who voiced the voiceless. It is a compelling narrative, enriched by unique insights and documents, and reflects the authority of a journalist who challenged the regime by exposing South African prison conditions. Thirty years ago, Sobukwe spearheaded a mass protest against pass laws, urging blacks to demand arrest at police stations. This nonviolent demonstration turned tragic when police opened fire, resulting in sixty-nine deaths on March 21, 1960, marking Sobukwe's last day of freedom. He passed away nearly eighteen years later from lung cancer. As the leader of the Pan-Africanist Congress, Sobukwe was both a colleague and rival to notable figures like Tutu, Mandela, and Buthelezi. However, his contributions have been overshadowed by the anti-Apartheid leadership's lack of support for the Pan-Africanist vision. Telling Sobukwe's story now is crucial for understanding the dynamics among contemporary black leaders in South Africa.