1861 - 1951

2nd President-General of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) (1917-1924), Methodist lay preacher, Founder of the Transvaal African Teachers’ Association, Founder and President of the African Political Union, one of four first Vice-Presidents of the SANNC

Sefako Makgatho became president-general of SANNC when the organisation reached a low point in its development. He helped transform it from a narrow membership of traditional chiefs and an educated Black elite to one more representative of the majority of Africans sympathetic to their cause.

A major challenge was dealing with African allegiance to the newly formed Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU). Founder Clements Kadalie had successfully appealed to the Black working class to unite against oppression since the unions founding in 1919. Makgatho nonetheless worked hard to ensure the ANC remained a key force in the fight against segregation and discrimination. Under him the SANNC adopted its first constitution in 1919 and changed its name to the African National Congress (ANC) in 1923, a symbolic gesture signalling a new direction for the movement.

Makgatho led a successful campaign in Pretoria for the right to walk on street pavements instead of competing with vehicles and horses for the middle of the road. This indominability and courage so inspired former President Nelson Mandela that he named his second son after Makgatho.

Did You Know?

Makgatho was born under legendary king Sekhukhune, who first fought the Afrikaners and then the British in defence of his territory in the Transvaal. Makgatho was 18 years old when he saw the defeat of Sekhukhune and the fall of the baPedi kingdom, one of the last to resist the colonial onslaught on their land.