In the recent awoke of the state capture and the fight against corruption, we have seen a lot more of uMkhonto weSizwe which led to many now being confused on what exactly is the purpose of the uMkhonto weSizwe.

The uMkhonto weSizwe was founded by the late Nelson Mandela who was the first black president of South Africa and Walter Sisulu. The uMkhonto weSizwe which means "Spear of tbe nation" was formed as an armed wing of the African National Congress. It's mission was to fight against the South African government and it started operating from 1961-1994.

It was on 16 December 1961 that the uMkhonto weSizwe launched its first attack on the gorvenment installations. It was on numerous accounts that uMkhonto weSizwe was considered to be a terrorist organization by the government.

On the 11 of July 1963, 19 ANC and uMkhonto weSizwe leaders including Arthur Goldreich and Walter Sisulu were arrested at Liliesleaf farm Rivonia. The farm was privately owned by Arthur Goldreich, however it was purchased by the South African communist party and the ANC funds mainly because black people were not allowed to own a property in that area.

At the beginning of June 1961, after a long and anxious assessment of the South African situation, Madiba and some colleagues, came to the conclusion that as violence in this country was inevitable, it would be unrealistic and wrong for African leaders to continue preaching peace and non-violence at a time when the government met our peaceful demands with force.

"The conclusion was not easily arrived at. It was only when all else had failed, when all channels of peaceful protest had been barred to us, that the decision was made to embark on violent forms of political struggle, and to form uMkhonto we Sizwe. We did so not because we desired such a course, but solely because the government had left us with no other choice. In the Manifesto of uMkhonto published on 16 December 1961, which is exhibit AD" said Nelson Mandela.

These are some of the notable members of the uMkhonto weSizwe in addition to co-founder Nelson Mandela.

Tatamkhulu Afrika

Anton Fransch

Tom Sebina

Joe Gqabi

Denis Goldberg

Harry Gwala

Chris Hani

Ronnie Kasrils

Moses Kotane

Tryphina Mboxela Jokweni

Lennox Lagu

Lambert Moloi

Jerry Masisi

Moses Mabhida

Mac Maharaj

Vejaynand Ramlakan

Solomon Mahlangu

Gorvan Mbeki

Thabo Mbeki

RobertMcBridge

Raymond Mhlaba

Wilton Mkwayi

Joe Modise

Thandi Modise

Alex Moumbaris

Phila Portia Ndwandwe

Siphiwe Nyanda

Solly Shoke

Godfrey Ngwenya

Walter Sisulu

Thabiso Mokhosi

Lindile Yam

Vusimuzi Masondo

Joe Slovo

Marion Sparg

Oliver Tambo

Tony Yengeni

Andrew Zondo

Fabian Msimang

Refiloe Johannes Mudimu

Samuel Hlongwane

Aubrey Sidibe

Davidson Masuku

Duma Mdutyana

Sipho Binda

Rudzani Maphwanya

Lawrence Mbatha

Wilson Nqose

Jacob Zuma

Isaac Lediba Maphotho

Content created and supplied by: Phukubjenthaa (via Opera News )