Exploring the Legacy of Peter Nchabeleng: The Lion of the North

By Martin Sehlapelo

The Lion of the North: Peter Nchabeleng, His Family, and the National Liberation Struggle in South Africa was launched in one of the facilities at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The coincidence of the elder Peter (Nchabeleng), the “Lion of the North,” and the younger Peter (Mokaba), “the young lion,” meeting again—albeit in spirit—was striking.

I knew Peter Nchabeleng as a humble, fierce, dyed-in-the-wool communist who played a significant role in the liberation struggle. After reading the book, I can confirm that Mpho Nchabeleng, the author, is an excellent writer.

Although the book focuses on the life of Peter Nchabeleng and his family, it beautifully intertwines their story with the broader struggle for freedom in South Africa. It contains many tidbits of well-researched historical facts, expressed in simple and clear language.

Most historical accounts refer to the banning of the ANC in 1961; however, nearly three years earlier, in 1958, the ANC was banned in Sekhukhune via a proclamation that made it an offence to become a member of the ANC or to use its slogans or symbols.

Another tidbit is the initial version of the oath of uMkhonto weSizwe: “I, as a soldier of uMkhonto weSizwe, swear to defend my comrades even with my life, but silently. As a soldier of uMkhonto weSizwe, I will uphold the policy of the National Liberation Movement led by the ANC. As a soldier, I will defend our people, our country, and our comrades, fighting for the full rights of our people and our country—for full rights and dignity for all—and obey the instructions of the above commander. Amandla!” This oath has evolved over the decades since uMkhonto weSizwe was formed, though it has remained essentially the same. Key elements of this oath persist in the Code of Conduct for Uniformed Members of the South African National Defence Force, which is read at every parade or formal event.

The book brings a fresh and different perspective on the first recruits of uMkhonto weSizwe. It describes how uMkhonto weSizwe was organised and outlines some of its initial activities in the Pretoria area.

Having read the book, my respect for the pioneering uMkhonto weSizwe soldiers—some of whom I met from the 1980s onward and who appeared to be frail and harmless village tribesmen—has grown a gazillion times. These foot soldiers of uMkhonto weSizwe include the likes of Peter Magano, Morris Matsimela, Nelson Diale, and Jackson Ntsoane.

A key contribution of the book is its chronicling of the Sekhukhune communities’ role in the liberation struggle.

It covers the period and struggles from the 1950s—through community organisations such as Sebatakgomo—to the 1980s, with organizations under the United Democratic Front, such as the Sekhukhune Youth Organisation and the Sekhukhuneland Parents’ Crisis Committee.

The book illustrates the interconnectedness between different sectors of society through organizations representing students, youth, communities, labor, and political spheres. It also highlights the role that family relationships play, using the broader Nchabeleng extended family and clan as an example.

This role extends to friendships—some forged in struggle—such as those between Peter Nchabeleng and Joe Gcabi or between the author and his comrades. It is a testament to how these relationships make life bearable. This book tells the story of a father’s legendary role in the struggle through the eyes of his son, who himself was a key part of that struggle. Unique.

Despite the meticulous research, there is at least one historical inaccuracy in the book. It states that in the 1960s, when Peter Nchabeleng was renting a house in Atteridgeville, the apartheid government was operating the 99-year leasehold rights for Africans. In fact, this scheme was introduced only in 1979, starting with Soweto as a test and expanding to other townships in 1985.

The introduction of the 99-year leasehold rights for Africans was the result of a prolonged struggle. In the apartheid scheme, all Black people of African origin were deemed to belong to the reserves, homelands, or similar areas, and granting them full ownership rights would have been tantamount to accepting them as South Africans. Additionally, in stating that Peter Nchabeleng listened to the SABC’s SAFM, it is likely a deliberate choice by the author to facilitate comprehension for current-day readers, as during his lifetime, this radio station was known as the “English Service” or “Radio South Africa.”

I am still surprised that when he was murdered by the apartheid police on April 11, 1986, Peter Nchabeleng was 59—roughly my age. In 1986, I thought he was very old, given his white hair (never mind my own graying head).

The Saturday before Peter Nchabeleng’s murder, in Mawhelereng, Mokopane, the regime killed Makompo Kutumela at the age of 25. Considering the long life that I assume still lies ahead of me, I now realize how fortunate some of us are.

Mpho Nchabeleng’s work is a welcome addition to similar literary contributions, such as those by Peter Delius and Daniel Sher in Mokgomana: The Life of John Kgoana Nkadimeng 1927–2020. There is a dire need for many more contributions to these stories.

After reading the book, I asked myself, “Why should I read a book that retells a painful story I already know and must relive?” I answered myself that it is useful to remind ourselves that the struggle is not over—to remind ourselves that just because you share some common characteristic with someone, they may not hesitate to kill you for their own material benefit. This book is a fitting tribute to Mogale wa Bagale.

It reminds us that Peter Nchabeleng died to make South Africa a better country, and in his honour, we dare not fail!

Book Reviewer: Martin Sehlapelo

Book Details: Name: The Lion of the North: Peter Nchabeleng, His Family, and the National Liberation Struggle in South Africa

Author: Mpho Nchabeleng

Publisher: Brandhill Africa

ISBN: 978-0-7961-7291-4 (print) and 978-0-7961-7292-1 (e-book)

Date: [2024]

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