Moments in South African History

Moments in South African History

Author: SABC Radio News Language: English Episodes: 38
Produced by SABC Radio News, Moments in South African History is a deep and thoughtful exploration of the nation's complex past. This history podcast moves beyond simple dates and names, focusing instead on the pivotal figures, transformative events, and significant locations that collectively forged the country's identity. Each episode is crafted to feel like a conversation, drawing on archival material and narrative storytelling to bring a specific moment into sharp relief. You might hear about a decisive political meeting, the life of an overlooked cultural icon, or the story behind a landmark that holds layers of meaning. The aim is to provide context and connection, making the grand sweep of history personal and tangible. By tuning in, you engage with the multifaceted tapestry of triumphs, struggles, and ordinary lives that define South Africa. This series is for anyone curious about how the past continuously informs the present, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges and enriches our understanding. The podcast serves as an auditory archive, ensuring these crucial stories are remembered and reflected upon with the depth they deserve.
Episodes
Beyers Naudé - Prophet of the nation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:00
Renowned anti-apartheid cleric, Dr Beyers Naudé, better known as Oom Bey, was called many things during his lifetime. From staunch Afrikaner and respected Dominee to traitor of the Volk and prophet of the nation. But how…
Epainette Mbeki - A political matriarch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:54
Epainette Mbeki was the second black woman to join the South African Communist Party in the late 1930s. Although she was inextricably linked to the ANC, she officially only joined the former liberation movement in 1990 a…
Helen Suzman - A lone voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:50
Helen Suzman was the only parliamentary representative of the old South African Progressive Party for 13 years. She was also the only woman in the 165-seat Parliament for six years. These numbers show the odds and courag…
George Bizos - A Matter of Life and Death [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:38
George Bizos, Anti-Apartheid Activist and Human Rights Lawyer. Angie Kapelianis, interviewed Advocate Bizos at the Legal Resources Centre in Johannesburg on the 28th of May 2007, when his memoir, Odyssey to Freedom, was…
Andrew Mlangeni - A snapshot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:06
Andrew Mlangeni was one of the ANC’s first MK members to be trained in communist China and to meet “Chairman Mao” in 1962. Back home, Mlangeni disguised himself as a priest to recruit others into the armed struggle and b…
Dolly Rathebe - A musical icon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:30
Dolly Rathebe rose to prominence in 1949 when she became South Africa's first black movie star in 'Jim Comes to Jo'burg'. Rathebe was soon splashed on the cover of Drum magazine and singing with several top bands such as…
Adelaide Tambo - A pillar of strength [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:09
Adelaide Tambo, the "grand dame" of the ANC liberation movement, devoted her entire life to the struggle against apartheid. The ANC said her strength, compassion and determination had been a source of inspiration. Credit…
Oliver Tambo - The jewel in the crown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:39
Oliver Reginald Tambo was the ANC liberation movements’ longest-serving president. Tambo led the ruling party in exile for almost a quarter of a century from 1967 to 1991. Credits: Angie Kapelianis and the SABC media lib…
Albertina Sisulu - A big tree [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:49
Angie Kapelianis reflects on the life of Albertina Sisulu, who was described as a big tree in whose shelter and shade people sought comfort and solace. Credits: Angie Kapelianis, Zanele Jambane,the SABC media libraries a…
Walter Sisulu - A life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:02
Walter Sisulu dedicated more than half of his life to equal rights and opportunities for all South Africans. But he never sought any credit for his involvement or achievements. Instead, he paid a high price for his belie…