From Cattle-Herding to Editor's Chair

Richard Victor Selope Thema was one of the influential black figures in South Africa in the 20th century - yet he is mostly forgotten today. He was a member of the ANC from 1912, serving for many years on its National Executive Committee. He was a founder of the All-African Convention, was elected to the Natives Representative Council, and was in constant demand as spokesperson and advocate for African rights. He was the first editor of Bantu World, which today is the Sowetan. This is his story.