#ProjectKnowYourHeritage

Project #knowyourheritage is a pilot project conceptualized and produced by the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA Media Productions). The aim of this project is to exhibit our nationally protected heritage resources in a much more tangible setting, allowing viewers to connect with the content, spaces, objects and people.
Moses Kotane was a highly influential leader within the ANC and Communist Party and has been considered a “Giant of the Struggle”. Kotane’s leadership and dedication was reflected in the positions he held as Secretary General of the Communist Party from 1938 until his death in 1978 and Treasurer General of the ANC from 1968 - 1978. Through his position as the chairman of the South African Federation of Non-European Trade Unions he was able to assist in laying the foundation for unity between the working class and national movements. He was sent to Bandung for the Asian-African Conference in 1955 which resulted in the eventual formation Non-Alignment Movement.
His involvement in the conference integrated the ANC into the international anti-imperialist movement. Kotane supported the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe as he saw this as the beginning of the final onslaught. Due to his wise leadership he was requested to leave South Africa and join the external leadership in Tanzania where he worked tirelessly to raise financial and material support for ANC members in exile as well as arranging political and military training for cadres of MK, maintenance, deployment and logistics equipment for the units. He was also among the 156 charged with Treason in the 1956 Treason Trial which in itself was an important moment in the history of South Africa. Before leaving South Africa Kotane was served with several banning orders and arrest which included one of the first to be detained under the Suppression of Communism Act.
#sahra #knowyourheritage #taungfossil #taung #nationalheritagesites