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Walter Sisulu – Unknown Author –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Walter Sisulu

When talking about South African anti-apartheid activists, Nelson Mandela is the name that comes up easily. However, the movement had other equally important members and activists, Walter Sisulu being one of them.

Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and an avid anti-apartheid activist. Sisulu held positions as both Secretary General and later Deputy President of the ANC.

He was born on 18th May 1912 in Ngcobo, Transkei (now called Eastern Cape), South Africa. Like many activists at the time, Sisulu faced many trials and tribulations including being sentenced to Robben Island.

The following are facts about the professional and personal life of the South African hero, Walter Sisulu.

1. His Father Was White

Sisulu’s mother, Alice Mase Sisulu was a Xhosa domestic worker. His father, Albert Victor Dickinson was a white man. Dickinson was an employee at the Cape Colony Railway Department between 1903 and 1909.

In 1910 he was transferred to the office of the Chief Magistrate in Umtata and later the Transvaal Attorney General. However, Dickinson played no part in Sisulu’s upbringing as he was raised by his mother’s family together with his sister.

2. Sisulu Founded Sitha Investments

Raised by his mother and her family, Sisulu studied in a local missionary school. In 1926, he left home and moved to Johannesburg to look for work. He did a wide range of Manual jobs in Johannesburg over the years.

In 1939, he founded Sitha Investments. Sitha investments was a real-estate agency dedicated to helping blacks and Indians acquire houses in Apartheid South Africa.

It was the only black-owned real estate agency in South Africa during its operation years. Sitha Investment offices were located at Barclay Arcade between West Street and Commissioner Street in the business district of Johannesburg.

3. He Significantly Influenced Nelson Mandela to Join The ANC

ANC leader Nelson Mandela (Right) in 1991 -By Ray Wacks –

Mandela fled his hometown in 1940 and arrived in Johannesburg in 1941. He worked as a watchman but was fired when his employer discovered he had fled.

After getting fired, Mandela went to live with his cousin in George Goch Township. It was through his cousin that Mandela met Walter Sisulu who was already an ANC activist in 1941.

Sisulu secured Mandela a job as an articled clerk at the law firm of Witkin, Sidelsky, and Eidelman. Mandela spent a lot of time with Sisulu and other activists including Anton Lembede and Oliver Tambo at Sisulu’s house. This served as a great influence on his joining the ANC.

4. He Married Albertina Sisulu in 1944

Walter and Albertina Sisulu’s wedding with Nelson Mandela and Anton Lembede – Unknown Author –

Walter Sisulu met Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu in 1941. At the time she was a professional nurse at Johannesburg General Hospital.

The two married in 1944 in a wedding ceremony where Nelson Mandela was the best man. Other attendees included Anton Lembede and Evelyn Mase.

The couple was married for 59 years until Sisulu’s death in his wife’s arms. They had 5 biological children and adopted 4 others.

Their biological children are Max Vuyisile, Zwelakhe, Mlungisi, Lindiwe, and Nonkululeko. The adopted children include Samuel and Beryl Sisulu. Albertina Sisulu was also an anti-apartheid activist. The public referred to her as “Ma Sisulu”.

5. Walter and Albertina Sisulu Had Prominent Children

Beryl Rose Sisulu, South Africa’s ambassador to Norway and Iceland – By Chell Hill –

If the success of children serves as a measure of successful parenting, then Walter and Albertina were successful parents. Most of their children, biological or adopted, went on to achieve great personal and even political success.

Walter’s son Zwelakhe Sisulu is perhaps the most successful of the lot. He was a union leader, a journalist, founded the ‘New Nation, served as Mandela’s press secretary, and was CEO of South African Broadcast Corporation.

Max Sisulu was the speaker of the South African National Assembly between 2009 and 2014. Mlungisi Sisulu is the Chairman of Arup Africa and the President of the Walter Sisulu Pediatric Cardiac Foundation.

The ambassador of South Africa in Norway is Beryl Sisulu. From 2009 through 2012, Lindiwe served as the defense minister.

6. Sisulu Became ANC’s Secretary General In 1949

Walter Sisulu joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1941. Two years later, Sisulu joined the ANC Youth League, which was founded by Anton Lembede. He joined the ANCYL together with his two friends, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela. On joining, he became the group’s treasurer.

In 1949, Walter Sisulu became the secretary general of the ANC. In doing so, he displaced older leaders of the party. However, Sisulu’s tenure as secretary general only lasted for five years until 1954.

7. He Was Accused and Tried for Treason In 1956

Sisulu was arrested severally as an activist. In 1952, he was arrested for being a planner of the Defiance Campaign. However, he was given a suspended sentence for the offense.

In 1956, Walter Sisulu, among 155 others including Nelson Mandela was arrested. They were accused of treason against the Republic of South Africa and tried in what became known as the Treason Trial. The trial lasted until 1961.

The results and sentences for the trials were different for different people. Sisulu was sentenced to six years but released on bail pending his appeal.

8. He Was Given a Life Prison Sentence

Waterfront clock tower from the entrance to the Nelson Mandela Gateway embarkation point for the Robben Island ferry. The face pictured on the blue Humanity banner is that of former political prisoner Walter Sisulu – By HelenOnline –

In 1963, Sisulu skipped jail and went underground. This led to his wife being arrested under the General Laws Amendment Act of 1963 (or “90-day clause).

However, he was arrested later in July 1963 at Rivonia. Sisulu was arrested in a hideout together with Govan Mbeki, Ahmed Kathrada, and 14 others.

This led to another major trial which would be known as the Rivonia Trial. As a result of the trial, Sisulu was sentenced to life in prison on 12th June 1964.

9. Became ANC’s Deputy President In 1991

After the Rivonia Trial, Walter Sisulu served his prison sentence on Robben Island. On October 15th, 1989, he was released after 26 years.

In July 1991 the ANC held its first national conference following its unbanning in 1990. Sisulu was elected as the ANC’s deputy president while Nelson Mandela was elected president. Sisulu served in this post until 1994 when South Africa held its first democratic election.

10. Walter Sisulu Passed Away In 2003

Walter Sisulu Square – Soweto – By ign11 –

On 5th May 2003 at about 2100 local time, the veteran activist passed away at 90 years of age. Mr. Sisulu died following a long bout of ill health. Walter Sisulu was given a state funeral on 17th May 2003