As South Africa commemorates the centenary of one of its most profound liberation leaders, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe, his legacy comes alive through the Market Theatre Foundation’s production, Lala Ngenxeba/Of Love and Revolution. This deeply evocative theatrical work sheds light on Sobukwe’s heroic contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle while also offering an intimate portrayal of the man behind the myth—a husband, father, and visionary. In honour of Sobukwe’s 100th birthday, the Market Theatre, in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg and Arts Alive, has commissioned Lala Ngenxeba/Of Love and Revolution. Directed by the acclaimed Palesa Mazamisa, the production celebrates Sobukwe’s life while striving to depict him as a man who faced extraordinary challenges with resilience and dignity, rather than as a mythical figure removed from human experience.
The play’s title, Lala Ngenxeba, is a poignant isiXhosa phrase meaning “lie on the wound,” reflecting the courage and perseverance required to confront adversity and heal from deep scars. Born on 5 December 1924 in Graaff-Reinet, Sobukwe’s intellectual brilliance and passion for justice set him apart from an early age. A scholar of law and African languages, Sobukwe combined academic rigour with a vision for a liberated and united Africa.
In 1959, Sobukwe co-founded the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), a bold alternative to the more moderate African National Congress. Rooted in a philosophy of African self-reliance and non-violent resistance, the PAC resonated with many South Africans disillusioned with incremental approaches to liberation. Sobukwe’s unwavering commitment to the decolonisation of Africa made him a formidable figure in the struggle against apartheid. The tragic events of the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where police opened fire on peaceful protestors opposing the pass laws, marked a turning point in South Africa’s history. As the leader of the PAC, Sobukwe was arrested and subjected to the notorious “Sobukwe Clause,” a law that allowed the apartheid government to detain him indefinitely without trial. His solitary confinement on Robben Island symbolized the regime’s fear of his ideas and influence.
At the heart of Lala Ngenxeba/Of Love and Revolution lies a letter Sobukwe wrote to his wife, Veronica. The play draws on this personal correspondence to explore the profound role of love and family in Sobukwe’s life, even as he faced immense political and personal challenges. It paints a picture of a man who remained steadfast in his commitment to freedom, buoyed by the love that anchored him through years of isolation and struggle.
