History Matters

Some people are so indistinct, its difficult to imagine that they are there, even when alive.  Others have so much presence, that its impossible to imagine they have gone, even when dead.  Kader Asmal was irrepressible, wonderfully so, at times unrestrainedly provocative.  He engaged lustily with life.  Ever full of spirit, he fought the battle [...]

by Raymond Suttner With Ma Albertina Sisulu’spassing, many feel they havelost a political figure, but alsosomeone who meant much more thanthat, who sensitively but where necessary firmly, guided others on a path thatwould help them as human beings.Ma Sisulu was warm and generallysmiling while she hugged and kissed allher children. She combined this withstrict ethical norms [...]

WISER and CISA invite you to a public lecture on ‘The Life and Death of Dr. Abu Baker ‘Hurley’ Asvat, February 23, 1942-January 27, 1989’ By Jon Soske (Centre for Indian Studies in Africa, Wits) Wednesday, 19th May 2010 18h30 WISER Seminar Room, 6th Floor, Richard Ward Building East Campus, Wits University At the time [...]

Mac Maharaj: In Confidence Published:Jul 11, 2009 Sunday Times What is worrying today is the heightening race consciousness and dissatisfaction. There seems to be increasing racial polarisation July 18 — the 91st birthday of Nelson Mandela — marks the first international Mandela Day as an occasion when each of us takes a step, through some [...]

Zweli Mkhize business day 23 April 2009 WHEN some members of the African National Congress (ANC) stood by party president Jacob Zuma, what did they see that others did not see? Interesting questions from the media have been raised, suggesting that the withdrawal of the charges leaves a cloud over Zuma’s head. The ANC has [...]

Nomfundo Xulu Published:Times Jan 29, 2009 THOUGH the history of South Africa has always been fascinating, some elements do not make sense because every historian has a different story to tell. One such historical era involves the respected and feared Shaka Zulu. While Zulu people usually sing his praises and say he was the saviour [...]

South African History Online has put together a special feature to celebrate MaSisulu’s 90th birthday and to thank her for being a ‘mother to the nation’. The feature includes a detailed biography, picture gallery, and an archive of speeches and letters. You can also send a birthday wish to MaSisulu. Visit the feature here. The [...]

Mark Gevisser – Businnes day 23 September 2008 IF THE goal of Thabo Mbeki’s resignation speech on Sunday night was to remind South Africans and the world at large what they will be missing when he goes, then he was successful. His is the type of leadership, he made clear, which is neither “gloomy” when [...]

Today marks the 31st anniversary of the tragic death of Steve Biko who died in police custody on 12 September 1977, the 46th person to die in police detention.  Steve Biko was an incredible leader who’s life was decisively cut short by the apartheid regime. In honour of Steve Biko’s contribution to South Africa, History [...]