Moses Kotane
Moses Mauane Kotane | |
---|---|
Secretary-General of the South African Communist Party | |
In office 1939–1978 | |
Succeeded by | Moses Mabhida |
Treasurer General of the African National Congress | |
In office 1963–1973 | |
Succeeded by | Thomas Nkobi |
Personal details | |
Born | Russian SFSR, Soviet Union | August 9, 1905
Resting place |
|
Political party | |
Spouse(s) | Sophie Human Rebecca Selutle |
Children | 4 sons & 1 daughter (Bessie Dolly Khunwana) |
Moses Mauane Kotane (9 August 1905 – 19 May 1978) was a South African politician and activist. Kotane was
secretary general of the South African Communist Party from 1939 until his death in 1978.[1]
Biography
Early life
Kotane was born in
Pella in Maphusumaneng Section, Transvaal (now North West) to a devout Christian family of Batswana origins. He received little formal schooling prior to entering the workforce. In 1922 at the age of 17, Kotane began his working in Krugersdorp, where he worked in various jobs including as a photographer's assistant, domestic servant, miner, and bakery worker.[2]
Trade unionism and early party politics
In 1928, Kotane joined the
Marxism-Leninism at the International Lenin School. In Moscow, Kotane studied under Endre Sík, 1967 recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize and other Marxist theorists.[1]
Returning to South Africa in 1933, Kotane advanced through the Party until the point where he became the party's general secretary in 1939.
Political legacy
Kotane was a well-respected member of the struggle for majority rule in South Africa by even non-communist leaders.
Treason Trial alongside fellow South African leaders Nelson Mandela, Joe Modise, Albert Luthuli, Joe Slovo, Walter Sisulu and 151 others. Despite years of prosecution, none of the defendants, including Kotane, were convicted.[2]
Personal life and death
Kotane suffered a stroke in 1968. Following the stroke, he went for treatment in the Soviet Union, where he died on 19 May 1978.[1] On the 1 March 2015, Moses Kotane's remains were returned to South Africa together with the remains of J. B. Marks and he was reburied on 14 March at Pella, North West.[5] Kotane was survived by his wife, Rebecca. She died in Soweto in January 2021 at the age of 108.[6]
Honours
Kotane was honoured with the
North West Province, South Africa.[7]
Order for Meritorious Service in gold (2003)
References
- ^ a b c Tribute to Moses Kotane South African Communist Party
- ^ a b c Biography at sahistory.org.za
- ^ Walter & Albertina Sisulu by Elinor Sisulu, viewed on Google Books
- ^ Statement on Thomas Nkobi Archived 2008-08-05 at the Wayback Machine African National Congress
- ^ "Zuma welcomes Kotane and Marks home". SAPA. The Sowetan. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
- ^ Rebecca Kotane passes away
- ^ Moses Kotane Local Municipality