TSH/NAMM/0021

Harry Themba Gwala was a politician and a teacher. He was known as Munt'omdala or the Lion of the Midlands. He was born at New Hanover and grew up in Pietermaritzburg area. He completed his teacher's Diploma at Adam's college in Amanzimtoti. He taught at Slangpruit, in Pietermaritzburg. Among his students was Moses Mabhida. Gwala joined The South African Communist Party (SACP) in 1942 and the ANC youth league two years later. In 1950 he was one of the organisers of the National stay-away of workers. He was consequently listed under the suppression of communism Act in 1952 and was served a two year banning order. He found employment at the Edendale Hospital, but was dismissed for recruiting hospital workers to become members of the South African Council of Trade Unions (SACTU). After the banning of the ANC in 1960, Gwala became active underground until his arrest in 1964 for sabotage and for recruiting members for Umkhonto We Sizwe. He was sent to Robben Island for eight years. He was released in 1972, but was restricted to Pietermaritzburg. In 1977 he was sentenced to life imprisonment at Robben island. While he was in prison, his wife, Elda passed away, but he was not allowed to attend the funeral. In the 1980s a motor neuron disease Robbed him of the use of his arms and was disabled, leading to his release from Prison in November 1988. He continued to inspire many people in the struggle for democracy, Peace and Justice. On the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the ANC on 8th of January 1992, Gwala was awarded The Isitwalandwe, the highest honor bestowed by the ANC on members for dedication service and selfless commitment. Gwala passed away on the 20th of June 1995