Walter Sisulu

Walter Sisulu

Name	Walter Sisulu
Birth name
Birth date	(1912-05-18)18 May 1912
Birth place	Engcobo, Cape Province, Union of South Africa
Death date	5 May 2003(2003-05-05) (aged 90)
Death place	Johannesburg, South Africa
Alma mater
Occupation	Anti-apartheid activist
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Albertina Sisulu
Website

Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu (18 May 1912 – 5 May 2003) was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and member of the African National Congress (ANC). He played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

Early Life

Walter Sisulu was born in the village of Qutubeni in the Engcobo district of the Cape Province. His mother, Alice Mase Sisulu, was a Xhosa domestic worker, and his father, Albert Victor Dickenson, was a white civil servant. Sisulu was raised by his mother and maternal uncle in a rural environment.

Political Career

Sisulu joined the African National Congress in 1940 and quickly rose through the ranks. He was instrumental in the formation of the ANC Youth League in 1944, alongside Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. The Youth League advocated for a more radical approach to ending apartheid.

In 1952, Sisulu was elected Secretary-General of the ANC. He was a key figure in the Defiance Campaign against apartheid laws and was arrested several times for his activism.

Imprisonment

In 1963, Sisulu was arrested at Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, along with other ANC leaders. He was tried in the Rivonia Trial and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island. Sisulu spent 26 years in prison, where he continued to be a source of inspiration and leadership for his fellow inmates.

Release and Later Life

Sisulu was released from prison on 15 October 1989, as part of the government's efforts to negotiate an end to apartheid. After his release, he continued to work with the ANC and was elected Deputy President of the organization in 1991.

Sisulu retired from active politics in 1994 but remained a respected elder statesman until his death in 2003.

Personal Life

Walter Sisulu was married to Albertina Sisulu, a fellow anti-apartheid activist and nurse. They had five children, including Max Sisulu, who became a prominent politician in post-apartheid South Africa.

Legacy

Walter Sisulu is remembered as a key figure in the struggle against apartheid and a mentor to many South African leaders, including Nelson Mandela. His commitment to justice and equality continues to inspire future generations.

See Also

• African National Congress
• Nelson Mandela
• Rivonia Trial
• Robben Island

References

• "Walter Sisulu". South African History Online. Retrieved 2023-10-10.

External Links

• African National Congress Official Website