Writers, Scholars & Scientists

Kwamena Bentsi-Enchill (September 22, 1919-October 21, 1974), a Supreme Court judge and a selfless public servant, was one of the most brilliant lawyers his country...

Ruth First (May 4, 1925-August 17, 1982), writer, academic and revolutionary, was a creative force and influence at the heart of South Africa’s liberation struggle....

John Fairbairn (1794-1864), a journalist and a pioneer for a free press in the Cape of Good Hope Colony. He was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland,...

Alaga Tayye Gabra-Maryam (1858-August 1924) was an Ethiopian scholar, teacher and writer, as well as an eloquent preacher. Born at Qaroda, in Bagemder, Tayye began...

Blattengeta Heruy Walda Selasse (May 8, 1878-September 19, 1938) was an author and historian. He also had a career as a government official and diplomat...

William Wellington Gqoba (1840-April 26, 1888), a Xhosa intellectual of the late 19th century, edited the leading Xhosa journal of the day. Isigidimi samaXhosa (“The...

James Bruce (December 14, 1730-April 27, 1794) was a Scottish explorer who visited Ethiopia from 1769-72, and is best known for his Travels to Discover...

Kisimi Kamara (circa 1890-1962), a man of substance and influence in the Barri chiefdom in present-day Pujehun district, is famous for having invented the Mende...

Jan (Frederik) Hendrik Homeyr (March 20, 1894-December 3, 1948), classicist and politician, was the son of Andries Brink Hofmeyr and Deborah Catherina, née Beyers. His...

Reinhold Frederick Alfred Hoernle (November 11, 1880-July 21, 1943) was a philosopher and a prominent supporter of the Joint Council movement and the South African...