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{{short description|South African anti-Apartheid activist (d. 1966)}}
{{short description|South African anti-Apartheid activist (d. 1996)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Multiple issues|{{more footnotes|date=January 2019}}{{copy edit|date=January 2019}}}}
{{more footnotes needed|date=January 2019}}


{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Alcott Skwenene ‘Skei’ Gwentshe
| name = Alcott Skwenene Gwentshe
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
⚫
| birth_name = Alcott Skwenene Gwentshe
| caption =
| birth_date = 1914<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcott Skei Gwentshe {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe |website=www.sahistory.org.za |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>
⚫
| birth_name = Alcott Skwenene Gwentshe
| birth_place = [[Tsomo]], [[Eastern Cape]], [[Republic of South Africa]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcott Skei Gwentshe {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe |website=www.sahistory.org.za |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>
| birth_date =
| death_date = 27 October 1966<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcott Skei Gwentshe {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe |website=www.sahistory.org.za |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>
| birth_place =
⚫
| death_place = Tsomo village, [[Eastern Cape]]
| death_date = 27th of October 1966
⚫
| death_cause =
⚫
| death_place = Tsomo village, [[Eastern Cape]]
| other_names = Skei
⚫
| death_cause =
| known_for = Political activism
| residence =
| other_names =
| education =
| known_for = Political activism
| employer =
| occupation = Shopkeeper, [[political activist]], musician<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcott Skei Gwentshe {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe |website=www.sahistory.org.za |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref>
| education =
| employer =
| title =
⚫
| height =
| occupation = Shopkeeper,[[Political Activist]]
| title =
| term =
| salary =
| predecessor =
| networth =
| successor =
| party = [[African National Congress]]
⚫
| height =
⚫
| boards = African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in East London
| weight =
| term =
| spouse =
| partner = Irene Ngcebetsha-Gwentshe
| predecessor =
⚫
| children = Zweliyazuza 'Duke' Gwentshe, Zwelbanzi 'Boyce' Gwentshe and Mzimkulu Gwentshe
| successor =
| party = [[African National Congress]]
| parents =
⚫
| relatives =
⚫
| boards = African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in East London
| spouse =
| signature =
| partner = Irene Ngcebesha-Gwentshe
| website =
⚫
| footnotes =
⚫
| children = Zweliyazuza ‘Duke’ Gwentshe and Zwelbanzi ‘Boyce’ Gwentshe
| parents =
| nationality = [[South Africa]]n
⚫
| relatives =
| signature =
| website =
⚫
| footnotes =
| nationality = [[South African]]
}}
}}
'''Alcott Skwenene ‘Skei’ Gwentshe '''(died 27th of October 1966) was a shopkeeper and activist who contributed to the establishment of an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in [[East London]], organising East London ‘stay-ins’ and boycotts as well as the 1952 [[Defiance Campaign]]. He was also one of the first political activists banished under the Native Administration Act under the South African Apartheid government.
'''Alcott Skwenene 'Skei' Gwentshe''' (1914 – 27 October 1966)<ref>{{cite web |title=Alcott Skei Gwentshe {{!}} South African History Online |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe |website=www.sahistory.org.za |access-date=27 March 2023}}</ref> was a shopkeeper, musician and political activist who helped establish an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in [[East London, Eastern Cape|East London]]. He was among the political activists banished under the Native Administration Act of the South African Apartheid government.


==Political activity==
==Political activity==
Gwentshe started attending ANC meetings from as early as 1948. He attended meetings in various towns in the [[Eastern Cape]] which alarmed the government and was thus placed under watch by the security police. Documentation by the security police which led to his banishment noted him saying at a meeting in [[Queenstown, Eastern Cape|Queenstown]], ‘I appeal to the African as individuals, teachers, preachers, policeman and the C.I.D to prepare for the struggle in the near future. I also appeal to these present to defy the laws, i.e. Pass Laws, and if arrested, not pay their fines.’
Gwentshe first attended ANC meetings in 1948 at towns on the [[Eastern Cape]] that resulted in his being placed under watch by the security police. Documentation by the security police led to his banishment. Gwentshe noted at a meeting in [[Queenstown, Eastern Cape|Queenstown]], 'I appeal to the African as individuals, teachers, preachers, policeman and the C.I.D to prepare for the struggle in the near future. I also appeal to these present to defy the laws, i.e. Pass Laws, and if arrested, not pay their fines.'


Gwentshe played a significant role in the establishment of the [[African National Congress Youth League]] in [[East London]] in 1949. He also organised the East London ‘stay-at-home’ of 26 June 1950 as well as the 1952 [[Defiance Campaign]]. He was the chairperson of the ANC in East London and also the president of the Cape ANC Youth League. He was described as a powerful and charismatic leader who was able to mobilise many people, making East London one of the most prominent centers of protest during the Defiance Campaign.
Gwentshe played a significant role in the establishment of the [[African National Congress Youth League]] in [[East London, Eastern Cape|East London]] in 1949. He also organised the East London 'stay-at-home' of 26 June 1950 as well as the 1952 [[Defiance Campaign]]. He was the chairperson of the ANC in East London and also the president of the Cape ANC Youth League. He was a powerful and charismatic leader, making East London one of the most prominent centers of protest during the Defiance Campaign.


Gwentshe secured permission for a ‘prayer meeting’ under the [[Suppression of Communism Act]] and Riotous Assemblies Act for just over 50 Eastern Cape leaders. The meeting was scheduled for the 9th of November 1952 where leaders were to discuss the aftermath of the [[Port Elizabeth]] and [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberly]] riots. The police soon discovered that the meeting was not of a religious nature and ordered for the dispersion of 1500 people. The crowd was reluctant to disperse and the police opened fire with stun grenades, revolvers and rifles. Due to the rioting, nine people were killed, of which two were white police officials. Additionally, numerous buildings, buses and churches were burnt down. There were numerous arrests as well as two hangings that resulted from this incident. After the riots, the police raided the ‘locations’, segregated urban areas for black people, in order to ensure that people had their pass books and consequently, hundreds of women and children had to flee East London to the rural reserves as they were living there illegally.
Gwentshe secured permission for a 'prayer meeting' under the [[Suppression of Communism Act]] and Riotous Assemblies Act for just over 50 Eastern Cape leaders. The meeting was scheduled for November 9, 1952 where leaders were to discuss the [[Port Elizabeth]] and [[Kimberley, Northern Cape|Kimberly]] riots. The police discovered that the meeting was not of a religious nature and ordered the dispersion of 1500 in attendance. The police opened fire with stun grenades, revolvers and rifles when the crowds did not disperse. Nine people were killed including two white police officials. Numerous buildings, buses and churches were burnt. Numerous arrests and two hangings resulted from this incident. After the riots, police raided the 'locations', segregated urban areas for black people, to check that people had their pass books. As a result, hundreds of women and children fled East London to the rural reserves as they were living there illegally.


After Gwentshe’s ‘prayer meeting’, he was banned under the Suppression of Communism Act from attending meetings of any sort for six months. He was found guilty of violating his banning order of the 26 March 1953 and sentenced to nine years imprisonment. After his release, he attended a [[Liberal Party]] meeting in February 1954 where he expressed the need for black people to have positions on the municipal bodies and not representatives. The East London municipality then began urging the government to banish Gwentshe. He was then banished from his home, Duncan village in the [[Red Location (township)]], to Maviljan Farm in Pilgrims Rest in the Eastern Transvaal. Gwentshe, alongside Joel Lengesi became one of the first people banished from East London in 1954. <ref>Saleem Badat. The Forgotten People: Political Banishment under Apartheid.BRILL, 30 Jan 2013. Pages 160-163</ref>
After Gwentshe's 'prayer meeting', he was banned under the Suppression of Communism Act from attending meetings of any sort for six months. He was found guilty of violating the banning order on March 26, 1953, and sentenced to nine years imprisonment. After his release, he attended a [[Liberal Party]] meeting in February, 1954 where he advocated that black people have direct positions on the municipal bodies. The East London municipality then urged the government to banish Gwentshe. He was banished from the Duncan village in the [[Red Location (township)]], to Maviljan Farm in Pilgrims Rest in the Eastern Transvaal. Gwentshe and Joel Lengesi became the first people banished from East London in 1954.<ref>Saleem Badat. The Forgotten People: Political Banishment under Apartheid.BRILL, 30 Jan 2013. Pages 160-163</ref>


Upon arrival in Pilgrims Rest, Gwentshe declined a job that was offered to him and it was suspected that he received funding from the ANC. The government believed that he was being visited by ANC members. As his residential home was in a busy urban area, the government decided to move him to a more rural area in order to have better surveillance of his actions. In April 1955, he was banished to the Native Trust Farm Frenchdale, which is located in what is now known as [[Mafikeng]], in the North West province. In 1956, he was arrested in Mafikeng for disobeying the order of the Governor-General to remain on the farm Frenchdale. He was alleged to have left the farm and to be living in Mafikeng location. He was released on bail of £25 and with representation by lawyer [[Joe Slovo]], he was found to not be guilty of contravening his banishment order.
Upon arrival in Pilgrims Rest, Gwentshe declined the employment he had been offered. The government believed that he was being visited by and receiving financial support from the ANC. Because his home was in an urban area, the government decided to move him to a rural area to have better monitor his actions. In April 1955, he was banished to the Native Trust Farm Frenchdale, located in what is now known as [[Mafikeng]], in the North West province. In 1956, he was arrested in Mafikeng for disobeying the order of the Governor-General to remain on the farm Frenchdale as he was alleged to be living in Mafikeng location. He was released on bail of £25 and with representation by lawyer [[Joe Slovo]], he was found not guilty of contravening his banishment order.


In August 1956, [[Can Themba]], writer and editor of ‘Drum’ magazine, released an expose of the Frenchdale ‘concentration camp,’ titled ‘Banned to the bush,’. The expose focused extensively on Gwentshe. Then in 1957, he was permitted to return to his home village, Tsomo, in the [[Transkei]], now [[Eastern Cape]] province. His banishment order was revoked in June 1960.
In August 1956, [[Can Themba]], writer and editor of 'Drum' magazine, released an exposé on the Frenchdale 'concentration camp,' titled 'Banned to the bush.' The exposé focused extensively on Gwentshe. In 1957, he was permitted to return to his home village, Tsomo, in the [[Transkei]], now [[Eastern Cape]] province. His banishment order was revoked in June 1960.


The withdrawal document of his banishment was written Afrikaans bearing the signatures of then president CR Swart, Prime Minister [[HF Verwoerd]], and Minister MDC de Wet Nel. It was noted that although there had been accusations of misconduct, no evidence of misconduct was found, and the Police Commissioner did not object to his return.
The withdrawal document of his banishment was written in Afrikaans, bearing the signatures of then president CR Swart, Prime Minister [[HF Verwoerd]], and Minister MDC de Wet Nel. The document noted that despite accusations of misconduct, no evidence was found. The Police Commissioner did not object to his return.


He died on the 27th of October 1966 due to unknown causes in the Eastern Cape. Documentation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission noted that it was believed by family members that Gwentshe was poisoned to death by members of the security branch two years after his detention. This was never proven and remains a suspicion.<ref>https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe Accessed 3 November 2018</ref><ref> Truth and Reconciliation Proceedings http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/hrvtrans%5Chrvel2/gwentshe.htm Accessed 15 October 2018</ref>
Gwentshe died on the 27th of October 1966 of unknown causes in the Eastern Cape. Documentation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission noted that family members believed Gwentshe was poisoned by members of the security branch two years after his detention.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/alcott-skei-gwentshe |title=Alcott Skei Gwentshe &#124; South African History Online |website=www.sahistory.org.za |access-date=3 November 2018}}</ref><ref>Truth and Reconciliation Proceedings http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/hrvtrans%5Chrvel2/gwentshe.htm Accessed 15 October 2018</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Gwentshe was orphaned during the [[Bulhoek massacre]]. Little is known of his early life except that he grew up in the Tsomo village in the Eastern Cape. He also enjoyed jazz music and was the leader of the Hot Shots Musical band throughout his youth.
Gwentshe was orphaned during the [[Bulhoek massacre]]. Little is known of his early life except that he grew up in the Tsomo village in the Eastern Cape. He also enjoyed jazz music and was the leader of the Hot Shots Musical band in his youth.


Gwentshe married Irene Ngcebesha-Gwentshe who was also active in the struggle against Apartheid. They had two sons, Zweliyazuza ‘Duke’ Gwentshe and Zwelbanzi ‘Boyce’ Gwentshe. Gwentshe taught Duke how to play the saxophone at an early age. The sons died within a week of each other in February 2008 and had a joint funeral service.<ref>Nelson Mandela. Long Walk To Freedom Vol 1: 1918-1962. Hachette UK, 17 Dec 2009.</ref>
Gwentshe married Irene Ngcebetsha-Gwentshe; nurse and songstress who was active in the struggle against Apartheid. They had four sons, Mzimkhulu Gwentshe, Mzwandile Zweliyazuza 'Duke' Gwentshe and Zwelbanzi 'Boyce' Gwentshe. They were also blessed with two daughters, Nomonde Gwentshe and Zukiswa Gwentshe. Gwentshe’s sons also grew into politics, Mzwandile Gwentshe, his eldest son died in the military in Tanzania, 1979. Mzimkhulu was exiled in Lesotho, he was a lawyer. Boyce was part of the Bhisho Massacre. Gwentshe taught Duke to play the saxophone at an early age. The sons, Boyce and Duke died within a week of each other in February 2008 and had a joint funeral service.<ref>Nelson Mandela. Long Walk To Freedom Vol 1: 1918-1962. Hachette UK, 17 Dec 2009.</ref>


==External links==
==See also==
⚫
*http://sabctrc.saha.org.za/documents/hrvtrans/east_london/55252.htm
⚫
*http://psimg.jstor.org/fsi/img/pdf/t0/10.5555/al.sff.document.nuun1970_01_final.pdf

==See Also==
*[[Benjamin Pogrund]], Sobukwe's biographer, who wrote, ''How Can Man Die Better: The Life of Robert Sobukwe''.
*[[Benjamin Pogrund]], Sobukwe's biographer, who wrote, ''How Can Man Die Better: The Life of Robert Sobukwe''.
* [[List of people subject to banning orders under apartheid]]
* [[List of people subject to banning orders under apartheid]]
Line 73: Line 65:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
⚫
*http://sabctrc.saha.org.za/documents/hrvtrans/east_london/55252.htm
⚫
*http://psimg.jstor.org/fsi/img/pdf/t0/10.5555/al.sff.document.nuun1970_01_final.pdf

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gwentshe, Alcott Skei}}
[[Category:Date of birth missing]]
[[Category:1966 deaths]]
[[Category:1966 deaths]]
[[Category:Anti-apartheid activists]]
[[Category:South African anti-apartheid activists]]
[[Category:South African prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:South African prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of South Africa]]
[[Category:Prisoners and detainees of South Africa]]
[[Category:Xhosa people]]
[[Category:Xhosa people]]
[[Category:1920 births]]

Latest revision as of 16:53, 14 December 2024

Alcott Skwenene Gwentshe
Born
Alcott Skwenene Gwentshe

1914[1]
Tsomo, Eastern Cape, Republic of South Africa[2]
Died27 October 1966[3]
Tsomo village, Eastern Cape
NationalitySouth African
Other namesSkei
Occupation(s)Shopkeeper, political activist, musician[4]
Known forPolitical activism
Political partyAfrican National Congress
Board member ofAfrican National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in East London
PartnerIrene Ngcebetsha-Gwentshe
ChildrenZweliyazuza 'Duke' Gwentshe, Zwelbanzi 'Boyce' Gwentshe and Mzimkulu Gwentshe

Alcott Skwenene 'Skei' Gwentshe (1914 – 27 October 1966)[5] was a shopkeeper, musician and political activist who helped establish an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in East London. He was among the political activists banished under the Native Administration Act of the South African Apartheid government.

Political activity

[edit]

Gwentshe first attended ANC meetings in 1948 at towns on the Eastern Cape that resulted in his being placed under watch by the security police. Documentation by the security police led to his banishment. Gwentshe noted at a meeting in Queenstown, 'I appeal to the African as individuals, teachers, preachers, policeman and the C.I.D to prepare for the struggle in the near future. I also appeal to these present to defy the laws, i.e. Pass Laws, and if arrested, not pay their fines.'

Gwentshe played a significant role in the establishment of the African National Congress Youth League in East London in 1949. He also organised the East London 'stay-at-home' of 26 June 1950 as well as the 1952 Defiance Campaign. He was the chairperson of the ANC in East London and also the president of the Cape ANC Youth League. He was a powerful and charismatic leader, making East London one of the most prominent centers of protest during the Defiance Campaign.

Gwentshe secured permission for a 'prayer meeting' under the Suppression of Communism Act and Riotous Assemblies Act for just over 50 Eastern Cape leaders. The meeting was scheduled for November 9, 1952 where leaders were to discuss the Port Elizabeth and Kimberly riots. The police discovered that the meeting was not of a religious nature and ordered the dispersion of 1500 in attendance. The police opened fire with stun grenades, revolvers and rifles when the crowds did not disperse. Nine people were killed including two white police officials. Numerous buildings, buses and churches were burnt. Numerous arrests and two hangings resulted from this incident. After the riots, police raided the 'locations', segregated urban areas for black people, to check that people had their pass books. As a result, hundreds of women and children fled East London to the rural reserves as they were living there illegally.

After Gwentshe's 'prayer meeting', he was banned under the Suppression of Communism Act from attending meetings of any sort for six months. He was found guilty of violating the banning order on March 26, 1953, and sentenced to nine years imprisonment. After his release, he attended a Liberal Party meeting in February, 1954 where he advocated that black people have direct positions on the municipal bodies. The East London municipality then urged the government to banish Gwentshe. He was banished from the Duncan village in the Red Location (township), to Maviljan Farm in Pilgrims Rest in the Eastern Transvaal. Gwentshe and Joel Lengesi became the first people banished from East London in 1954.[6]

Upon arrival in Pilgrims Rest, Gwentshe declined the employment he had been offered. The government believed that he was being visited by and receiving financial support from the ANC. Because his home was in an urban area, the government decided to move him to a rural area to have better monitor his actions. In April 1955, he was banished to the Native Trust Farm Frenchdale, located in what is now known as Mafikeng, in the North West province. In 1956, he was arrested in Mafikeng for disobeying the order of the Governor-General to remain on the farm Frenchdale as he was alleged to be living in Mafikeng location. He was released on bail of £25 and with representation by lawyer Joe Slovo, he was found not guilty of contravening his banishment order.

In August 1956, Can Themba, writer and editor of 'Drum' magazine, released an exposé on the Frenchdale 'concentration camp,' titled 'Banned to the bush.' The exposé focused extensively on Gwentshe. In 1957, he was permitted to return to his home village, Tsomo, in the Transkei, now Eastern Cape province. His banishment order was revoked in June 1960.

The withdrawal document of his banishment was written in Afrikaans, bearing the signatures of then president CR Swart, Prime Minister HF Verwoerd, and Minister MDC de Wet Nel. The document noted that despite accusations of misconduct, no evidence was found. The Police Commissioner did not object to his return.

Gwentshe died on the 27th of October 1966 of unknown causes in the Eastern Cape. Documentation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission noted that family members believed Gwentshe was poisoned by members of the security branch two years after his detention.[7][8]

Personal life

[edit]

Gwentshe was orphaned during the Bulhoek massacre. Little is known of his early life except that he grew up in the Tsomo village in the Eastern Cape. He also enjoyed jazz music and was the leader of the Hot Shots Musical band in his youth.

Gwentshe married Irene Ngcebetsha-Gwentshe; nurse and songstress who was active in the struggle against Apartheid. They had four sons, Mzimkhulu Gwentshe, Mzwandile Zweliyazuza 'Duke' Gwentshe and Zwelbanzi 'Boyce' Gwentshe. They were also blessed with two daughters, Nomonde Gwentshe and Zukiswa Gwentshe. Gwentshe’s sons also grew into politics, Mzwandile Gwentshe, his eldest son died in the military in Tanzania, 1979. Mzimkhulu was exiled in Lesotho, he was a lawyer. Boyce was part of the Bhisho Massacre. Gwentshe taught Duke to play the saxophone at an early age. The sons, Boyce and Duke died within a week of each other in February 2008 and had a joint funeral service.[9]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Alcott Skei Gwentshe | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Alcott Skei Gwentshe | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Alcott Skei Gwentshe | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Alcott Skei Gwentshe | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Alcott Skei Gwentshe | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  6. ^ Saleem Badat. The Forgotten People: Political Banishment under Apartheid.BRILL, 30 Jan 2013. Pages 160-163
  7. ^ "Alcott Skei Gwentshe | South African History Online". www.sahistory.org.za. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  8. ^ Truth and Reconciliation Proceedings http://www.justice.gov.za/trc/hrvtrans%5Chrvel2/gwentshe.htm Accessed 15 October 2018
  9. ^ Nelson Mandela. Long Walk To Freedom Vol 1: 1918-1962. Hachette UK, 17 Dec 2009.
[edit]
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