Walter Sisulu was a politician and one of the activists who championed the fight against apartheid in South Africa. His life, marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to justice, offers a compelling narrative that continues to inspire generations across the globe.
In this article, OldNaijaHistory delves into the biography, age, family, career, and net worth of Walter Sisulu for those who which to learn history.
Early Life and Background
Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu was born on May 18, 1912, in Ngcobo, a small village in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. His mother, Alice Mase Sisulu, was a Xhosa domestic worker, and his father, Albert Victor Dickinson, was a white civil servant who did not play a role in his upbringing¹. Raised by his maternal family, Sisulu’s early life was shaped by the cultural and social dynamics of his community.
Despite the challenges of his mixed heritage, Sisulu identified strongly with his Xhosa roots. He attended an Anglican mission school but left at the age of 15 to support his family. His early work experiences included roles as a bank teller, gold miner, and domestic worker, which exposed him to the harsh realities of racial discrimination and economic inequality.
Family and Personal Life
In 1944, Walter Sisulu married Albertina Thethiwe, a nurse and fellow activist. Their partnership was not only personal but also deeply political, as both were committed to the struggle against apartheid. The couple had five children: Max, Mlungisi, Zwelakhe, Lindiwe, and Nonkululeko, and they also adopted three children.
Albertina Sisulu, often referred to as “Ma Sisulu,” was a formidable figure in her own right, contributing significantly to the anti-apartheid movement. The Sisulu family endured numerous hardships, including imprisonment and constant surveillance, but their unity and resilience remained unbroken.
Political Career and Activism
Walter Sisulu’s political journey began in earnest in the 1940s when he joined the African National Congress (ANC)¹. Recognizing the need for a more militant approach to combat apartheid, Sisulu, along with Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, founded the ANC Youth League in 1944¹. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the liberation struggle.
Sisulu played a pivotal role in organizing the 1952 Defiance Campaign, a mass protest against apartheid laws. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in mobilizing thousands of South Africans to participate in acts of civil disobedience. In 1963, Sisulu was arrested and charged with sabotage in the infamous Rivonia Trial, alongside Mandela and other ANC leaders. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and spent 25 years on Robben Island.
Imprisonment and Later Years
During his imprisonment, Walter Sisulu remained a steadfast leader and mentor to younger activists¹. His resilience and unwavering commitment to the cause inspired his fellow prisoners and the broader anti-apartheid movement. Released in 1989, Sisulu continued to play a crucial role in the transition to a democratic South Africa.
In the post-apartheid era, Sisulu served as the Deputy President of the ANC from 1991 to 1994. His contributions to the establishment of a democratic South Africa were recognized with numerous awards, including the Isitwalandwe Medal and the Padma Vibhushan.
Net Worth and Legacy
Walter Sisulu’s net worth is not easily quantifiable in monetary terms. His true wealth lay in his contributions to the liberation of South Africa and the enduring legacy he left behind. Sisulu’s life and work continue to inspire activists and leaders worldwide, underscoring the importance of justice, equality, and human dignity.
Conclusion
Walter Sisulu’s biography, age, family, career, and net worth paint a portrait of a man whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of freedom and justice. His legacy is a testament to the power of resilience and the enduring impact of principled leadership. As we reflect on his contributions, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of standing up for what is right.
FAQs
1. Who is Walter Sisulu?
Walter Sisulu was a South African anti-apartheid activist and a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC). He played a significant role in the fight against apartheid and was imprisoned for 25 years on Robben Island.
2. What was Walter Sisulu’s role in the ANC?
Sisulu was a founding member of the ANC Youth League and played a pivotal role in organizing the 1952 Defiance Campaign. He served as the Deputy President of the ANC from 1991 to 1994.
3. How long was Walter Sisulu imprisoned?
Walter Sisulu was imprisoned for 25 years on Robben Island, alongside Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders, following the Rivonia Trial.
4. What is Walter Sisulu’s legacy?
Walter Sisulu’s legacy lies in his contributions to the liberation of South Africa and his enduring impact on the fight for justice and equality. His life continues to inspire activists and leaders worldwide.
5. How did Walter Sisulu’s family contribute to the anti-apartheid movement?
Walter Sisulu’s wife, Albertina Sisulu, was a prominent activist in her own right. Together, they raised a family committed to the struggle against apartheid, enduring numerous hardships for the cause.
