Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Victoria Nonyamezelo Mxenge (1942 - 1985)

 

Victoria Nonyamezelo Mxenge was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and human rights lawyer. Her life was tragically cut short, but her legacy continues to inspire those fighting for justice and equality.

Life

Victoria Nonyamezelo Mxenge was born on January 1, 1942, in Tamara Village, Middledrift, in the Eastern Cape. She trained as a nurse at Victoria Hospital in Alice and later as a midwife at a segregated hospital in Durban. Her pursuit of education continued, and she enrolled to study law at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1974. She completed her B.Proc degree in 1981, making her one of the few black women lawyers in South Africa at the time.

Victoria was married to fellow anti-apartheid activist and lawyer, Griffiths Mxenge. Their shared commitment to justice led to both of them facing severe persecution from the apartheid regime. Griffiths was brutally murdered in 1981 by the state security forces. Despite this immense personal tragedy, Victoria continued her legal work and activism. She often represented political prisoners and their families, becoming a beacon of hope for many who suffered under apartheid. She was detained herself under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act in 1984 and held in solitary confinement.

On August 1, 1985, Victoria Mxenge was assassinated in front of her children at her Umlazi home. Her murder, like that of her husband, was carried out by state-sponsored hit squads, further highlighting the brutal lengths the apartheid government would go to silence dissent.

Accomplishments

  • Legal Pioneer: Victoria Mxenge broke barriers by becoming a black woman lawyer in apartheid South Africa. She used her legal expertise to defend political prisoners and fight for human rights.

  • Anti-Apartheid Activist: She was a vocal and active opponent of the apartheid regime, often participating in protests and advocating for a democratic South Africa. She was a member of the Natal Law Society and served on the executive of the United Democratic Front (UDF), a key anti-apartheid organization.

  • Symbol of Resistance: Her resilience in the face of immense personal loss and her unwavering commitment to justice made her a powerful symbol of resistance against apartheid.

  • Legacy of Courage: Her ultimate sacrifice, alongside her husband, solidified their place as martyrs in the struggle for a free South Africa, inspiring future generations.

Bibliography

While Victoria Mxenge herself may not have published extensive works, her life and contributions are documented in various books and academic papers about the anti-apartheid struggle and women in the legal profession. Researchers interested in her life might look into:

  • "Women Marching Into the 21st Century: Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo" (1998) - This book, published by the HSRC, often features narratives of women's involvement in the struggle.

  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Reports: The TRC investigated her murder and the circumstances surrounding it, providing valuable insights into her life and the injustices she faced. The reports are available online through the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

Quotes

While direct quotes attributed to Victoria Mxenge are not widely popularized in the same way as some other leaders, her actions and the accounts of those who knew her speak volumes. Her life embodied the spirit of resistance and the fight for justice.

Sources and Hyperlinked URLs

Victoria Nonyamezelo Mxenge's life is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice in the face of oppression. Her legacy continues to inspire those who strive for a more equitable and just world.

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