Benjamin Moloise

Benjamin Moloise (1955 – 18 October 1985) was a South African poet and political activist.

Life

Moloise was born in 1955 in Alexandra. He was a factory worker, poet and follower of the then forbidden African National Congress (ANC). He was convicted to capital punishment by the apartheid regime of P. W. Botha allegedly for murdering a policeman in 1982. The African National Congress claimed responsibility for the murder and repudiated the claim that Moloise was involved.[1] He was hanged on 18 October 1985 at the Pretoria Central Prison despite worldwide pleas for clemency. His execution by the apartheid regime led to international protests and street battles in South Africa.

Before his execution he famously penned the following lines[2]

"I am proud to be what I am…

The storm of oppression will be followed
By the rain of my blood
I am proud to give my life

My one solitary life."

Literature
  • Ritu Ashik: Benjamin Moloise, Biratnagar, Teshro Vishwa Weekly Publication, 1990[3]

References
  1. "1985: Benjamin Moloise, revolutionary poet". Themed Set: Illegitimate Power. ExecutedToday.com. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  2. Dutta, Chhatrapati. "In-between Protest and Art". Art Etc. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  3. https://openlibrary.org/books/OL1375777M/Benjamin_Moloise
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