Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality has officially changed its name to Alfred Duma Municipality after it’s merger with Indaka Municipality.
If you’re wondering about the significance of the name change, let’s explain…
Alfred Duma is seen as one of the bravest men born in the time when hope and liberation was non-existent. This forward-thinking man joined a small group of men and women who were not going to allow man-made limitations to pull them down.
Born in April 1927 in Mnambithi, KwaZulu-Natal, he joined the ANC and the then South African Trade Union (SATU) in 1952. Duma joined Umkhonto we Sizwe in 1961 and dealt with dangerous situations.
When the ANC was banned, Duma joined and became Chairman of the Umviko Party to fight against the dispossession of land in the Besters area. His vocal opinions against apartheid led to his arrest and a 10-year prison sentence. He endured great suffering at the hands of security police.
From 1964 to 1974, Duma was a political prisoner on Robben Island, where he learnt to deal with hardship through humour, never losing the focus of the fight against apartheid. Comrades know him for his humour that lightened up the mood in times of hopeless, dark situations. To keep a communication link with the outside world, Duma and other comrades sent letters through Nelson Mandela, who later became South Africa’s first democratically elected President.
He was a political prisoner serving time in jail with Nelson Mandela on Robbin Island. For his part in the struggle to liberate South Africa he was awarded The Order of Mendi for Bravery (silver).
Although Duma retired, he continues to inspire young people within the ANC with the rich legacy and spellbinding stories of the struggle. He lives a peaceful life in KwaZulu-Natal.
DID YOU KNOW?
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