Kate Molale, South African activist and politician (d. 1980)

Kate Molale, born on 22 January 1928, was an unwavering South African political activist whose life was dedicated to the liberation struggle against apartheid. Her profound commitment to justice and equality left an indelible mark on the nation's history until her passing on 9 May 1980.

Early Life and Local Activism in Sophiatown

Molale's political journey began in the early 1950s when she joined the African National Congress (ANC) at its vibrant Sophiatown branch. Her leadership qualities were quickly recognized, leading to her election as secretary of the Sophiatown ANC branch in 1954. Sophiatown, a culturally rich and racially mixed suburb of Johannesburg, became a focal point of resistance against the apartheid regime’s brutal forced removal policies. Kate Molale was a key figure in the popular resistance movement, actively mobilising residents against their forced eviction under the notorious Group Areas Act, which aimed to segregate communities by race and destroy multi-racial areas like Sophiatown.

Championing Education: Resisting the Bantu Education Act

A staunch opponent of the discriminatory 1953 Bantu Education Act, Molale understood its insidious purpose: to provide an inferior education for Black South Africans, thus perpetuating racial inequality and ensuring a supply of cheap labour for the apartheid economy. She vigorously mobilised communities against this oppressive legislation, notably by organising and leading school boycotts. Under her inspiring leadership, many children were encouraged to participate in these boycotts, extending beyond Sophiatown to other key areas such as Orlando, Brakpan, Randfontein, and Alexandra. A crucial aspect of her strategy was the organisation of "Masupatsela," which translates to "pioneers" – a network of young activists dedicated to bolstering these protests and challenging the apartheid education system.

National Leadership and the Freedom Charter

Molale’s influence extended beyond local activism to the national stage. She became a respected member of the National Executive of the ANC Women's League, a testament to her dedication and strategic capabilities. Simultaneously, she served as the Transvaal secretary for the ANC Youth League, demonstrating her broad engagement across various wings of the liberation movement. Her contribution to the drafting of the Freedom Charter, a foundational document outlining the vision for a non-racial, democratic South Africa, was significant. By conducting extensive surveys amongst the South African populace, Molale played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Charter truly reflected the aspirations and demands of ordinary people.

Leading the Fight Against Pass Laws

Kate Molale was instrumental in the struggle against the highly repressive pass laws, which severely restricted the movement and rights of Black South Africans. In 1955, she was part of a courageous delegation that directly confronted the Native Commissioner in Johannesburg to deliver a protest against the extension of these discriminatory laws to include African women. This act of defiance resulted in their detention and charges upon leaving the Commissioner's office. Her most prominent role in this campaign was as one of the key activists mobilising women for the historic 9 August 1956 anti-pass campaign, famously known as the Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. She travelled to various corners of the country on agitation tours, galvanising thousands of women to stand united against apartheid's oppression.

Facing State Repression and Joining Umkhonto we Sizwe

Molale’s uncompromising activism made her a target for the apartheid state. She was among the ANC activists subjected to the draconian 90-days' detention without trial, a measure designed to crush dissent and break the spirit of freedom fighters through indefinite imprisonment without legal recourse. Following her release from this oppressive detention, her commitment only deepened. She went underground, demonstrating extraordinary courage, and rose to become a commander in Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress, further escalating her direct involvement in the struggle for liberation.

International Advocacy and Humanitarian Work in Exile

Between 1970 and 1975, Kate Molale represented the ANC Women's League (also referred to as the Women's Section) in the Women's International Democratic Federation (WIDF). Based in Berlin, this global non-governmental organization provided a crucial platform for the ANC to articulate the plight of South African women under apartheid on an international stage and garner global solidarity. After her tenure at the WIDF office, Molale established her base in Morogoro, Tanzania, which served as a significant hub for exiled South African activists. In Tanzania, her compassionate spirit shone as she dedicated herself to the vital task of caring for the children of other exiled South African activists, providing support and stability in challenging circumstances.

Tragic Passing and Enduring Legacy

Kate Molale's remarkable life of activism tragically concluded on 9 May 1980. She succumbed to injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Tanzania on 3 May 1980. Her co-traveller, Peter Sithole, died instantly at the scene. Molale herself passed into a coma and was pronounced dead six days later. Her legacy as a fearless leader, an unyielding advocate for human rights, and a dedicated servant of the people endures, inspiring future generations in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kate Molale

When was Kate Molale born and when did she pass away?

Kate Molale was born on 22 January 1928 and passed away on 9 May 1980.

What was Kate Molale's role in the anti-apartheid movement?

Kate Molale was a prominent South African political activist who held various key leadership positions within the ANC, including secretary of the Sophiatown branch, National Executive member of the ANC Women's League, and Transvaal secretary of the ANC Youth League. She mobilised against the Group Areas Act and Bantu Education Act, played a crucial role in drafting the Freedom Charter, led anti-pass law campaigns, and became a commander in Umkhonto we Sizwe.

What was the "Masupatsela" initiative that Kate Molale organised?

"Masupatsela" means "pioneers" and refers to a youth initiative organised by Kate Molale to bolster school boycotts in protest against the oppressive 1953 Bantu Education Act. It was a network of young activists committed to challenging the apartheid education system.

How did Kate Molale contribute to the Freedom Charter?

Kate Molale played a key role in the drafting process of the Freedom Charter by conducting extensive surveys amongst the South African populace, ensuring the document reflected the true aspirations and demands of the people for a democratic and non-racial society.

What was Kate Molale's international role?

Between 1970 and 1975, Kate Molale represented the ANC Women's League in the Women's International Democratic Federation (WIDF), a global platform that allowed her to amplify the anti-apartheid struggle and the plight of South African women on the international stage.