40 years after his death and sobukwe’s legacy lives

His commitment to honesty and integrity was unwavering. Despite having the education and opportunities to lead a more comfortable life, Sobukwe chose to fight for the rights of his people — a true testament to his consistency.

The legacy of Robert Sobukwe 41 years since his death ().

Even during his imprisonment from and subsequent banishment to Kimberley, he never wavered in his political convictions regarding the future of our country. In stark contrast, we have witnessed many so-called freedom fighters alter their beliefs over time. Those who once opposed the apartheid regime now preside over a government that reflects the very oppression they once fought against.

The transformation of socialist organizations into proponents of a neo-liberal agenda further exemplifies this troubling inconsistency. It is disheartening to see politicians notorious for flip-flopping, shifting positions to align with changing political circumstances. Sobukwe and his fellow Africanists from the Congress Youth League left the ANC due to ideological disagreements, believing that the party had become compromised by individuals uninterested in genuinely transforming the lives of black South Africans.

They steadfastly advocated for the return of land to its rightful owners — the indigenous people.

Sobukwe succumbed to lung cancer in after the apartheid government prevented him from receiving medical treatment by insisting that he.

Land is not merely about housing; it encompasses the wealth beneath our feet, the resources above us, and the natural environment that sustains us. The recent political landscape following the elections has revealed a concerning trend: many parties, eager to dethrone the ANC, quickly compromised their principles when offered ministerial power, regardless of their earlier stances.

If they hope to regain influence, they must devise strategies to reconnect with the electorate. Moreover, parties like the UDM and DA have become entangled in the very incompetence and corruption they once opposed. Our municipalities are deteriorating, public infrastructure is in decline, and many South Africans continue to live in poverty, fearing for their safety amid daily violence.

In this context, politicians must take inspiration from Sobukwe, prioritising consistency and truth, even at the cost of popularity. They should champion the marginalized rather than pursue personal gain.