Encyclopaedia Africana

Activists & Reformers

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Percy Petre Tshikidso Qoboza (1938-January 18, 1988) was a prominent South African journalist who was a persistent critic of apartheid. Known as “Percy” to friend...

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Masopha (also spelt Masuphag or Masopa) (circa 1820-99) was a Sotho leader who, throughout his life, remained independent in spirit, seeking to defend his freedom...

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Mapogo Sefako Makgatho (1861-1951) was one of the most articulate leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) and a dynamic advocate and defender of African...

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Thomas Mtobi Mapikela (circa 1879-1945), a builder and contractor, was a founding member of the African National Congress (ANC), originally known at the time of...

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Mlanjeni (literally “River Man”) (circa 1830-August 28, 1853) was a Ciskei prophet of the Rarabe Xhosa. He played a key role in the frontier war...

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Vuyusile Mini (1920-1964) achieved prominence as a trade union organiser and political activist in African nationalist causes. Born in Port Elizabeth, he acquired very little...

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Tshekedi Khama (September 17, 1905-June 10, 1959), a man bound by tribal tradition was nevertheless a great nationalist who worked tirelessly to advance the people...

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Benjamin Nxumalo (1874-1942) was King Sobhuza II’s uncle and counselor and one of the most educated Swazis of his time. Nxumalo was born in the Intombe...

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William Rainy (circa 1819-1878) was a courageous and distinguished Afro-West Indian barrister who devoted himself to fighting colour prejudice in Sierra Leone and elsewhere in...

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Foray Benia Porekere (18?-December 28, 1893) was an able general who became leader of the Sofa, troops of the great Mandinka emperor, Samori Touré. His...

Editor’s Note

This website features a collection of articles largely from previously published volumes of the Encyclopaedia Africana, specifically the Encyclopaedia Africana Dictionary of African Biography, which highlights notable individuals from various regions of Africa. Please note that in these volumes, some names of people, towns, and countries were spelled differently than they are today. We have retained these historical spellings to preserve the integrity of the original publications. In some instances, the current spellings are also provided for easy reference.
Please report errors to: info@encyclopaediaafricana.com / research@encyclopaediaafricana.com

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