By Staff Reporter
The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, will host the official launch of “The Lion of the North: Peter Nchabeleng, His Family, and the National Liberation Struggle in South Africa” on Thursday, 13 March 2025, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium Auditorium in Polokwane from 18h00 to 20h00. This is a closed event.
Authored by Mpho Nchabeleng, son of the revered anti-apartheid activist, this groundbreaking book offers a deeply personal and historically significant account of Peter Nchabeleng’s unwavering fight for South Africa’s liberation. The book captures his courage, resilience, and the immense sacrifices he and his family made in pursuit of a free and democratic South Africa.
Dr Ramathuba emphasised the importance of preserving the stories of South Africa’s struggle icons, highlighting Nchabeleng’s profound influence on the liberation movement and his enduring impact on the democratic society we live in today.
“Peter Nchabeleng was not just a political activist; he was a fearless warrior against injustice, a visionary leader, and a symbol of resilience. He stood firm in the face of oppression, knowing that freedom was not just a dream but a necessity for future generations. His story must be told, shared, and remembered for the role he played in shaping our nation’s history.”
The Premier further noted that the launch of this book is a significant moment for Limpopo and South Africa as a whole, serving as both a tribute and a powerful educational tool for younger generations.
“Many of our young people today may not know the full extent of the sacrifices made by Peter Nchabeleng and his contemporaries. This book provides a window into the hardships, resilience, and strategic brilliance of our struggle heroes. It is through these stories that we ensure their legacies live on and continue to inspire generations to come.”
Celebrating a Legacy of Resistance and Sacrifice
Peter Nchabeleng was a towering figure in South Africa’s liberation struggle, particularly in the Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo). A dedicated leader within the African National Congress (ANC), Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), and later the United Democratic Front (UDF), he endured relentless persecution, harassment, and multiple arrests. He ultimately paid the ultimate price for his convictions, dying in police custody under suspicious circumstances in 1986.
Despite his untimely death, his revolutionary spirit continued to inspire the fight for freedom, making his legacy an indelible part of South Africa’s democratic journey.
“His brutal killing by the apartheid police was an attempt to silence him, but instead, his legacy grew stronger. His voice still echoes through the democratic institutions we uphold today,” said Dr Ramathuba.
Strengthening Partnerships for National Heritage Preservation
The Office of the Premier is proud to collaborate with Brandhill Africa, the independent, wholly black-owned publishing company behind “The Lion of the North” and a few other groundbreaking projects. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preserving South Africa’s national liberation heritage and ensuring that the stories of struggle heroes like Peter Nchabeleng are documented and widely accessible.
Brandhill Africa has emerged as a distinguished independent publisher dedicated to reshaping Africa’s narrative by elevating voices that have historically been marginalised. Through its publishing initiative, “Our Voices. Our Spaces”, the company continues to champion the legacy of liberation icons, fostering a deeper understanding of South Africa’s journey to democracy.
Some of the other books published by the company are:
1. “Sound and Fury: The Chronicles of Healing” by Saul Molobi, with a foreword by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe – a deeply personal and political narrative of resilience and transformation.
2. “De/constructing Brand Africa: A Practitioner’s Perspective” by Saul Molobi, with a foreword by Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering an expert analysis of Africa’s branding on the global stage.
3. “Dodging the Civil War Bullet: Nelson Mandela and South Africa’s Transition from Apartheid to Democracy” by Sello Lediga, with a foreword by Kgalema Motlanthe. The launch featured Baleka Mbete, former Deputy President of South Africa, as the keynote speaker.
4. “Rhythms in Black and White: A Visual Journey Through the World of Jazz” by Siphiwe Mhlambi (photography) and Saul Molobi (narratives), launched as part of the 25th anniversary of the prestigious Joy of Jazz Festival in September 2024.
5. “Chocolate Kisses: Sweet Verses in the Dance of Romance” by Saul Molobi – a poetry collection, some of which were performed live on his weekly 3-hour jazz radio show on 101.9 Chai FM.
Brandhill Africa’s commitment to publishing transformative works continues in 2025 with the launch of two more books:
• “De/constructing Brand Authenticity: Crafting an Honest Narrative for Brand Africa’s Global Ascent” by Saul Molobi, with a foreword by Cuthbert Ncube, Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board (ATB), scheduled for release at the end of March 2025.
• “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies: The MEDUNSA Story and the Legacy of Prof Ephraim Mokgokong”, authored by the MEDUNSA Class of 1982, led by Dr Solly Motlanthe, set for launch in April 2025.
Premier Ramathuba commended the collaboration, saying: “This partnership with Brandhill Africa underscores the critical role of independent African publishers in preserving our history. We must take ownership of our stories and ensure they are told authentically, with the dignity and depth they deserve. Through this collaboration, we are not just launching a book, we are safeguarding a legacy for future generations.”
By working together, the Office of the Premier and Brandhill Africa are reaffirming their commitment to nation-building, education, and cultural preservation, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought for South Africa’s freedom remain a source of knowledge and inspiration for years to come.
An Evening of Reflection and Inspiration
The book launch will be a gathering of political leaders, struggle veterans, scholars, activists, and community members who will reflect on Peter Nchabeleng’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation. The programme, directed by Funani Jerry Maseko – MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture – will include:
✅ Keynote address by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba
✅ The Peter Nchabeleng we knew and worked with: Reflections from a struggle veterans – Ambassador Louis Mnguni and Joyce Mabudafhasi, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Zimbabwe
✅ Transformation in the publishing sector: Opportunities and threats – reflections by Saul Molobi
✅ A conversation between author Mpho Nchabeleng and Sechaba Nkoana on the writing of the book
✅ Book signing and audience engagement.
“It is our duty as a nation to document and celebrate the stories of our national liberation heroes. Peter Nchabeleng’s legacy is not just history; it is a guiding light for present and future generations,” concluded Dr Ramathuba.