How the ANC, SACP betrayed Harry Gwala’s legacy

The complexities of his political journey and its impact on South Africa

- THEMBILE NDABENI

HARRY Themba Gwala died a frustrated man and under suspension from the SACP for not “listening” (not being obedient).

“The Lion of the Midlands” as he was fondly known would not heed a call from Nelson Mandela for people to throw their guns into the sea, feeling that the call comprised his people especially in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg.

At the time people were dying frequently at the hands of Inkatha and SADE

“Foreign Minister Pik Botha admitted yesterday that he had authorised the channeling of state money to Inkatha” (Don Nelson, 1994:46). That is one example.

However, with this stance Gwala became more respected and loved in those violent torn areas than Mandela.

Gwala joined the trade union movement SACTU, the predecessor to COSATU. He was not a labourer but was concerned about exploitation of his people by the capitalists whose only concern was profit.

He later joined the South African Communist Party (SACP) and it came as no surprise when he joined the ANC underground and recruited for Umkhonto Wesizwe.

He was arrested in 1964, released in 1972 and arrested again in 1975. To him, to be released meant an opportunity to continue with the Struggle.

He was arrested again and imprisoned in Robben Island where he got an opportunity to apply his teaching profession. He taught those comrades who would not go to school due to their backgrounds and circumstances. Jacob Zuma was one of them.