Mapetla Mohapi News Today

Why is it that a dissident dies whenever SA shares a stage with the Russians? asks Barney Mthombothi.

In fighting for freedom, Hlako Kenny Rachidi challenged the state of mind of the oppressed

In fighting for freedom, Hlako Kenny Rachidi challenged the state of mind of the oppressed

There seems to be a flurry of new books about unsung, lesser-known anti-apartheid struggle heroes. A few also remember and honour the victims.

In 1976 Mapetla Mohapi was the first Black Consciousness leader to be killed in detention. His comrade, Steve Biko, tried to get justice for him, but then he too was killed. Mapetla’s widow, Nohle Mohapi-Mbetshu, has been fighting for truth and justice ever since. She was the first to testify at the TRC, yet justice still eludes the family. After his death, Thenjiwe Mtintso, a colleague of Mapetla, who was arrested in the same month, was tortured by an officer she believes was involved in ...

Chasing quality, not clicks

Historian and author Zikhona Valela unravels the life and death of Black Consciousness activist Mapetla Mohapi, who died in detention in 1976

Mandy Wiener spoke to author Zikhona Valela about her book and why she chose this story to share.

In 1976 Mapetla Mohapi was the first Black Consciousness leader to be killed in detention. His comrade, Steve Biko, tried to get justice for him, but then he too was killed. The title of this book is based on what the officer said to her as a threat. In this book, Zikhona Valela battles the erasure of this remarkable story, weaving together the words of comrades and family, mapping new understandings of the Black Consciousness Movement and of our shared history.

Zikhona Valela’s convergence of biographies focuses on the life and tragic death of lesser-known black consciousness activist Mapetla Mohapi.