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Govan Mbeki
Govan Archibald Mvuyelwa Mbeki (9 July 1910 – 30 August 2001) attended Fort Hare University, completing a Bachelor of Arts in politics and psychology and a teaching diploma. In 1954, he joined the ...view moreGovan Archibald Mvuyelwa Mbeki (9 July 1910 – 30 August 2001) attended Fort Hare University, completing a Bachelor of Arts in politics and psychology and a teaching diploma. In 1954, he joined the editorial board of 'New Age', which was to be the only South African newspaper serving the liberation movement for the eight following years. Mbeki played an immensely important role in ensuring that the pages and columns reflected the conditions of black South Africans, their demands and aspirations. In November 1962, the then Minister of Justice, John Vorster, banned 'New Age'. When the editorial board came out with its successor, Vorster went one step further by banning not the newspaper but its editors and writers. Govan Mbeki was a leader of the ANC and the South African Communist Party. After the Rivonia Trial, he was imprisoned (1964–1987) for terrorism and treason, together with Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada and other eminent ANC leaders. He was released from custody in November 1987 after serving 24 years on Robben Island. He served as Deputy President in South Africa's post-apartheid Senate from 1994 to 1997 and in its successor, the National Council of Provinces, from 1997 to 1999. Mbeki received international recognition for his political achievements and continues to be regarded as one of the finest political minds the ANC has counted in its ranks.view less