Phiri Cawe, journalist
Johannesburg, South Africa
"Mzwakhe is the hero for our struggle.
He will remain the hero even for generations to come.
FREE MZWAKHE!"

Thabang Ndlovu
Cape Town, South Africa
"He was in the country when the struggle was at its thickest.
That must count for something to someone somewhere.
He stood up and fought. When others feared
incarceration for their beliefs, he did not.
What can be more admirable than that?"

Dumisa Buhle Ntsebeza
Pinelands, Cape Town, South Africa
"When Mbuli was arrested and subsequently incarcerated,
I was, firstly, in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission [TRC]
and latterly, acting as a Judge of the High Court.
Especially as a judge, it would have been inappropriate
for me to express a view on the issue.
I have since enrolled as a pupil advocate, and if all goes well,
I should be writing a Bar exam in May, and hopefully
set up chambers in Cape Town thereafter.
From a distance, I have never been convinced that Mbuli is guilty.
There is something here that does not sound well.
I know how Mbuli should feel.
When I was framed in the TRC by a man who said my car was used,
driven by me, in a massacre in 1993, the experience was very traumatic.
I was more fortunate than Mbuli in that
I was cleared far more quickly than Mbuli.
I join all those who believe in his innocence,
and I am quite confident that in the end, truth will out.
Meanwhile, I hope that Mzwakhe will keep the spirit."
(submitted 25 March 2000)

Lesole Mogorosi
South Africa
"Please release Mzwakhe, for he is innocent."

Mary Paton
"The struggle for justice is not over.
We are remembering you, Mzwakhe.
I heard you on the radio the other night!
May you soon be free - yet your work continues 'inside'."

Vukile Eugene Mqingwana
Cape Town, South Africa
"I do think that the State should intervene in this matter,
because it is a national crisis that one of our most
prominent artists be treated this way under new dispensations.
And if they do not intervene, then the masses should be asking,
why did we vote for ANC, if it would not protect its supporters
after they have been successful in our struggle?
Is this really the new South Africa that we were fighting for,
or what is it, if the State can't make the justice fair?"

Jinno Akira
Zentsuji, Kagawa, Japan
"Up to 1994 I was a campaign coordinator
of anti-Apartheid committee in Japan.
Now I teach African history in Shikoku-Gakuin University.
In my lecture I introduce Mzwakhe Mbuli's poems and songs
to students as a typical defiance to injustice of racism."

William Kiernan
Tampa, Florida, USA
"This man's case must be retried.
Kangaroo court murders all justice."

Themba Nkosi
South Africa
"For a long, long time now you have kept this man in the cells.
You should have realized the problem by now!
If not, does it mean that you don't do your job properly?
Is it all the struggle for freedom that we are in now?
If this man is really guilty, where did all these
conspiracies of apartheid come from?
Chaining him won't change the price of cheese, because
one-third of South Africans say the man is innocent.
Chaining him in the cell won't chain him in heaven.
Putting him behind the bars won't cut him down in his true-speaking songs.
You all are trying to cut him down 'cos he keeps it real!
You scandalize his name when you put it in the paper.
Wishing you set your people right,
if they aren't corrupted by the Y2K bug,
to think again and release this man, please!"

Samuel Konyana
Rustenburg, South Africa
"I'm signing this for the late Simon 'Mahlathini' Nkabinde."

S. Dube
United Kingdom
"After all you have done for us, Baba, the least we can do
is fight for you while you are bound and shackled.
South Africa, the world is watching you!
Is this a sign of things to come?
FREE MZWAKHE!"

Joe Maluleke, online journalist
Johannesburg, South Africa
"THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE
RELEASE MZWAKHE NOW"

Lennox Foote, Dean Sababu, Marcel Knox,
Richardo White and Tyrone Senior
African People Alliance, Mount Vernon, New York, USA
"Mzwakhe Mbuli's participation in the struggle
for equality and justice in South Africa is
living proof of sacrifice, courage and compassion.
Harassment and brutalizing by apartheid's system
never kept him from maintaining his role in the battle
for liberation from racial discrimination and social injustice.
We believe that only a united campaign of global proportion
by people of conscience will impact the South African Government.
There is a sense of outrage amongst people of goodwill universally
at the cruel and unjust treatment of Mzwakhe Mbuli.
His conviction on false charges, imprisonment and shameful treatment
by South Africa's court system is obviously a result of his defiant
protest against corruption being practiced by some members
of the current political establishment in South Africa.
We ask without apology: FREE MZWAKHE, WITHOUT DELAY!
He is the personal embodiment of the people's struggle for an
uncorrupt, truly liberated South Africa where equality reigns."

Dorothy Flynn
CAMPAIGN FOR RELEASE OF MZWAKHE MBULI
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
campaign@mzwakhe.org
"The tradition of NO GIVE UP is the name of the game,
to TOTAL EMANCIPATION."    -- Mzwakhe Mbuli

Mark Loeb
Johannesburg, South Africa
"Why tricks and not solutions?
I am the conscience of the nation
I and money do not mix
I and the truth do not collide
Inside me, the spirit of resistance NEVER diminishes"
-- Mzwakhe Mbuli, unbroken spirit

Mosalagae Tena
N.C. State University
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
"Mzwakhe, you'll always be the hero, the champion and the
winner, no matter what. Just console yourself by saying that at the
end of it all you'll remove their engines of prejudice and hatred
and overload their hearts with love, so the truth comes out.
God forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
to our People's Poet. We need people of your caliber.
VIVA MZWAKHE VIVA!"

Andiswa Koyana
Cape Town, South Africa
"All we ask is for justice to be done."

Franklin Ouma Okot
"...greatly dismayed by this miscarriage of justice..."

Dr. Charles Small
Jerusalem, Israel
"Mr. Mbuli is driven by a set of morals and ethics
rooted in his religious and political convictions.
He demonstrated a quality of leadership
that I only witnessed in one other person in my life
and that is when I met Mr. Mandela."

Brian Covert
Osaka, Japan
"In anti-apartheid, human rights circles in Japan,
people are well aware of who Mzwakhe Mbuli is--the People's Poet
of South Africa who never hesitated to condemn apartheid
and stand up for those who had no voice in his country.
As a journalist/writer and former anti-apartheid activist in Japan,
I call on the authorities in "post-apartheid" South Africa to
release Mzwakhe and see that true justice is done in his court case.
I still remember the first words Mzwakhe uttered when he came on
the stage one night at a concert a few years ago in Japan.
He silently looked over the entire audience, then finally spoke:
"You think you are watching me, but it is I who is watching you."
To the corrupt police and prosecutors
who have unjustly jailed Mzwakhe Mbuli:
Remember those words!"

Jenny Odhiambo
Dallas, Texas, USA
"The shame is on you, South Africa..."

Oupa Collin Letsoalo Mphukudu
diesel mechanic
South Africa

John Kirkland
trade union activist
Trenton, New Jersey, USA

Mkgetlwe
Gaborone, Botswana

Gatua wa Mbugwa
New York, USA
"I am from Kenya. His poems speak for me,
as they do for his supporters in South Africa.
The people's poet is my poet, too!"

Zanny Begg, on behalf of Resistance
Australia's socialist youth organisation

Mokotedi Bolatlheng Alpheaus
Gaborone, Botswana
"NO FORCE CAN ARREST HIS TALENT!!"

Alan MacSimoin
Dublin, Ireland

Michael Stohr, MusicAfrica
Toronto's African music connection and producer of Afrofest
"Hope our words of support can give you
strength to endure your forced isolation,
as your words have strengthened so many before.
Trust that truth will always be the final victor,
and that one day we will embrace in celebration."

Tanaku Lithebe
Kopano Residence, University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa

Corey C. Jordan-Rutledge, artist
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Ibrahim Alabi Oridota
AFRICA DIASPORA
Paris, France
"Fair trial is the pillar of democracy.
To gag a poet is to pave the way to those acts
(remember, Mandela!) that make the human river
flow so much blood -- not for South Africa, please."

Thapelo Reuben Mainole
Mochudi, Botswana

Nkskz Zenele Zitha
Indiana, USA
"Why do they cripple our endeavors
towards a brighter future of our country?
Keeping that hero in jail suppresses South African social prosperity.
RELEASE THE HERO, LET MZWAKHE OUT!!!"

Char Eberly
Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Mahlatse Toska Molepo
Computer software support student
Johannesburg campus
South Africa

Patrick Sartini
Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Sedula wa Mamabolo
South Africa
"THABO--PLEASE RELEASE MZWAKHE
BECAUSE HE IS INNOCENT."

Mark Lewis Taylor
Professor, Theology and Culture
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, New Jersey, USA

Fred Krohn
"Any man who advocates nonviolent dissent is no enemy,
simply a voice in the new way. Give this man
a FAIR trial and sentence for actual crimes (if any),
not trumped-up charges. If he is not guilty
of any crime, release him and pay damages!"

Zakes
Kerry Road, Parkview
South Africa

Eugenie Lang
Scarsdale, New York, USA

Annouchka Bayley

Terry Townsend, on behalf of the
Democratic Socialist Party of Australia

Toni Asante Lightfoot
Washington, DC, USA
"Apartheid is not dead; it is just disguised.
Those who lift its veils should not be punished,
but instead leaders in the healing.
Freeing Mzwakhe is a stitch in a large wound."

Kula
Mafikeng, Northwest Province
South Africa

Felix Amankona Diawuoh, Ghana
Executive Director, Free Africa Foundation
Boston chapter, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
"Imprisoning Mzwakhe Mbuli in South Africa is like
letting Chief Abiola die in jail in Nigeria!"

Norm Dixon, journalist, music review coordinator
Green Left Weekly, Sydney, Australia
and online at http://www.greenleft.org.au

Michael Saji
Los Angeles, California, USA

Ninel-Thuan
Northern Germany

Manamela Nicodemus
"I just want to say, stay strong at all times
and pray to the Lord Jesus Christ. Sala kahle..."

Kenneth Mostern
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

Solomon Tebogo Mamadi
University of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana

Jose de Santos, musician
Valencia, Spain

Jacqueline Bikhovsky, journalist
RTBF television, Belgium
"I'll never forget the video I made about him.
Please, free Mzwakhe! HE IS FREEDOM!"

Jimmy Philippe
Brooklyn, New York, USA

Mafiri Manamela
South Africa
"I am from Northern Province.
Mzwakhe, everything is gonna be right. Don't panic..."

Zebulon Mzwakhe Debeila
South Africa
"With this poetic tribulation
I want to say to my hero:
The Lord is above all your sufferings
And the time to weep is over, for now is the time
To ask blessings from God to protect you
LONG LIVE THE UNBROKEN SPIRIT OF MBULI
VIVA MZWAKHE VIVA
I have visited him in prison eleven times
My love for him endureth forever"

Selina Mang Debeila
South Africa
"I want to share this grieving with Mzwakhe's family.
I loved you because my son Zebulon brought the name and
the reputation of this 'hero.' I was even more proud
when he told me that he had finally met Mzwakhe Mbuli.
When I heard my son reciting poems, I thought he was mad.
Then I saw Mzwakhe reciting at the Inauguration of Mandela.
I support my son for the love he has for you, Mzwakhe.
My family is behind you, whether in prison or in court.
GOD BLESS YOU!"

Pako
Mafikeng, Northwest Province
South Africa

Brian Rosenthal
Houston, Texas, USA

Thabo Molefe
Syracuse, New York, USA

Nkosenhle KaSibanda
Faculty of Law
University of the Witwatersrand
South Africa
"When recently freed victims turn their backs and laugh
at other victims, are they not liable to be called oppressors?
FREE THE SON OF THE SOIL."

Fisa Lembede
Economics Institute, University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, USA

Betty deGroot
Richmond Hill
Ontario, Canada

Mulogoli
Kenya

Boago Sebaka, student

Ras Ital
Jamaica

Lulama Kunene
Craighall

Thami Mbongo
South Africa
"Let us not forget that Mzwakhe is the one
who was giving us hope in our Beloved Country.
Justice, tell me -- WHY TRICKS, NOT SOLUTION?"

Bonnie Sue Zeigler
Madison, Tennessee, USA

Mokete D. Mokoena
University of Natal
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
"Let Mzwakhe enjoy freedom like everyone in South Africa."

Tariq Khan
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Joseph Rath
York University, Canada

Thapelo
Ponte City, Berea
South Africa

Cai Lin Liu
People's Republic of China
"Please free Mzwakhe -- he is African hero!"
~ from us in China

Matsebe Ivor Phasha
Northern Province, South Africa
"We hope that truth will be revealed and justice be done
to the alleged 'framing' perpetrators..."

Tracey Lue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Bobby S. Williams
San Antonio, Texas

Winston Molokele Molokele, student
Mafikeng, Northwest Province
South Africa

Wayne M. Samuels

Sipho
South Africa
"Mzwakhe is just great...
Jail or no jail, the man is still brilliant...
Release him, and chase the real criminals
that are destroying our lovely South Africa."

Quett Setshwaro
Student, UNIWEST
Mafikeng, Northwest Province
South Africa

Cardigan McClain

James Tay
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Mpuang Phetogo
Gaborone, Botswana

Tremayne Mthandenyi Senye
"Tricks are not solutions while the truth is hot and chilly,
the tricked trio will soon or later shine the oil of gladness.
Beloved brother, know that you're loved far beyond
the borders of your home town. Nothing is above God.
Baba Mzwakhe, khula o khukhube.
Know that I believe in your innocence!"

G. Sousa
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Jeanette Martindale-Cox
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Andile Sivisa
"I wish you all the best in whatever you do, big brother."

Rufus S. Chester, III
USA

Mathieu Correa de Sa
Verigny, France

Ethan Bloomberg, radio host
Afrika Kabisa
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Otsetswe Bogosibokae
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
"South Africa is where it is today
because of people like Mzwakhe.
He has been with us in the struggle from ever since.
Let's be with him, wherever he is!"

Lesedi Mere
Student, UNIWEST
Mafikeng, Northwest Province
South Africa

Tabby Moyo, journalist
Windhoek, Namibia
"RELEASE OUR INNOCENT POET!"

Rowena Evans
South Africa

Stuart Russell
Senior Lecturer
Department of Jurisprudence
Macquarie University
Sydney, Australia

Sonja Klein
Sydney, Australia

Thapelo Molelekoa, computer engineer
South Africa

Lina Stohr
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Jowi Taylor, host
Global Village, CBC Radio Network, Canada
"I was involved in a festival in Toronto he was part of.
Most striking was his brimming good will and easy friendliness.
Seeing him perform was like watching a combination of
pain, strength, and joie de vivre, transforming
life into art and stasis into action.
I will urge people to sign this petition on Global Village,
on CBC, on Radio Canada International short wave
and from the home pages of CBC and RCI."

Samuel Mogotsi
Tsetse, Mafikeng
South Africa

Marlena Oliver

Danilo Vukotic
Belgrade, Yugoslavia

James Upshaw
Toledo, Ohio, USA
"The truth will overcome,
the truth will overcome..."

JoAnne Young
University at Stony Brook
New York, USA

Khalil Tian Shahyd
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Wilfred Baisako
!Gai||naxas, Namibia
"The God of peace and love will greatly bless
those people who work vigorous and tirelessly
to make sure the whole world knows
about the plight of Mzwakhe Mbuli.
Let the Lord give those who are his enemies
the wisdom to make peace with the world.
My message is:
THE TRUTH SHALL SET MZWAKHE FREE!
FREE AT LAST, MZWAKHE, FREE AT LAST!"

Monica Sherrill Jones, poet
United States

Xvellem Indlovu
"Release Mzwakhe NOW!"

A.M. Auset, Ph.D.

Adeoshun Ifalade

Nkosinathi Kissinger Sibanda
"The legal reasoning that sentenced Mzwakhe Mbuli to a South African
jail is suspect, the evidence lacking, and the witnesses uncredible.
Review the case. Nowhere in the world can a man of literary excellency
and nation building stature be sentenced to jail on such prosecution."

Tracy Hartford
New York, USA

Jos Zimny
Heerlen, the Netherlands

I. Jerome Taylor
Brooklyn, New York, USA

Joshua Razikua Kaumbi, Omaruru Poet
Republic of Namibia
"Yes, we all know the Tall Man has always been innocent.
His intelligence is beyond malicious allegations.
Bureaucrats can dump him in a guarded four-walled cell, but not his legacy.
His voice continues to serve as a lullaby,
echoing against the walls of injustice,
vibrating through the annals of our march to Utopia.
They can imprison us but cannot stop us
from unpainting the pain of our people.
How ironic that those who gave them sleepless nights,
who reduced their status to that of dogs and of criminals,
have red carpet rolled out for them and their deeds,
while those sons and daughters (Lest We Forget)
who rot in jails are turned into lepers.
To the poet's children:
be strong, and know that life has always been harsh
(pardoning Barendt Strydom, while punishing Friday Mavuso).
History alone absolved others,
and history alone will absolve the Tall Man.
They call you 'Triple B.'
Yes, I too will call you 'Triple B:'
B for Black, B for Bravery, B for Best!
You have been the symbol of blackness,
arousing fear and admiration,
the absent touch of humanity,
roaring like the best lion in the jungle of Dedan Kimati.
I know you will come out!"

A. Kamau
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Leo Boitumelo Bakoko, student
Gaborone, Botswana

Victoria Pasley
U.K. citizen in Washington, D.C., USA

Christopher Spadone
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
"I am shocked and saddened
by this miscarriage of justice."

Masedi Ramsay Molosiwa
Cape Town, South Africa

Norma Martinez

Chae Carriere

Michel Daigneault
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
"FREE THE PEOPLE'S POET!
FREE THE BEAT OF AFRICA!
Mzwakhe moved a lot of folks during his
brief appearance in these parts. ~ Solidarity"

Gregory Greene
Mannheim, Germany

Kerry Covey
United States

Furaha Mbele

Merementsi Ntwakgalo Calvin
Botswana
"Please release the People's Poet.
He is innocent."

Michael Schembri
Sydney, Australia

Mark Holmshaw
London, U.K.
formerly of Pretoria, South Africa

Debra Huddleston
Illinois, United States of America
"My prayers are with you.
What is done to one is done to all."

Tiyesha Meroe
Oakland, California
"Justice shall prevail."

Gill Boehringer, Senior Lecturer
Department of Jurisprudence
Macquarie University
Sydney, Australia

Metali Jain

Petros Mogabali
South Africa
"I HATE THIS 'JUSTICE' OF OUR COUNTRY."

Racheal Juarez

Sirrön Ed Yeldbarb
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Pamela Plummber

For the late Robert Nesta Marley, from "Redemption Song"
"How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?"

M.L. Saloy
"Please release Mzwakhe Mbuli!"

Daniel Goosen
Burlington, Vermont, USA

Marianne Mommsen
Rifton, New York, USA
"In solidarity"

Alessandro Caprotti
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Nora Petty
Vermont, USA
"There is so much hate and cruelty in our world.
It is time that we don't turn our backs and look away."

Blaine Stevenson
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA
"May justice prevail."

Carina Odenyo
Uppsala, Sweden

Mokotedi Bolatlheng Alphaeus
Gaborone, Botswana

Bothay N. Velempini
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Botswana
Gaborone, Botswana

Linda Tanaka
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada
"I will always remember Mzwakhe's performance in Canada.
Free Mzwakhe, so he can perform again."

Adam Silva

Beth Maina Ahlberg
Kenya and Uppsala, Sweden

Judy Erlam

Obi C. Iheme
"...My reading of his struggle, his plight, have inflamed me, and
it has reinforced my belief that men and women with his courage
and passion are what this world needs. May the struggle continue."

Nothemba Nombewu

Gift Ramaotwana
Australia
"Mzwakhe is always right.
Allow Mzwakhe out to play his music freely."

Malika Booker
London, England

Trevor MacPherson
Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada

Simphiwe Ntombela
Grahamstown, South Africa
"LET MZWAKHE FREE!
Let him tell the truth to the people."

Tracy Harford
New York

Todd Fraracci

Gazza Rama
"The poet is not gone...
This is the time when the Lord will
show us His will to comfort those agonized.
South Africa shall know no freedom
till all in the South are free.
YOU ARE THE PEOPLE'S POET AND WILL REMAIN SO."

Ariel Teplitsky

Hakan Gidlof
Uppsala, Sweden

Jenny Ford
Brooklyn, New York, USA

Michelle Perry

Freeman Dube
Zimbabwe
"If P.W. Botha is free
and Steve Biko is dead,
why should Mzwakhe not be free?"

William White
South Carolina, USA

Todd Bistany
"LET HIM FREE!"

Boemong Tshosha

Mkuleko Hikwa
"WITH YOU EVEN IN DARKNESS
Still hoping light will shine in South Africa
Shine bright in new South Africa
Brightness that will conceal the ills of the apartheid past
Abantu abahle bakhanye ubuhle
Abahle izenzo bakhanye msulwa
Abahle kuZulu babonakale ngokunjalo emthethweni
Mfowethu sizolibamba lingaze latshona kuzolunga
I thought a saw the sun rise in 1994
I will have to learn not to trust
My eyes, my ears
For what has been trumpeted as a new era in South Africa
Nevertheless, I shall trust my intelligence
It will never let me down
And the son of Africa shall be free
Iqinisa lizonqoba!!!!!!
PLEASE FREE MZWAKHE!
Give him a fair trial.
He is a son of the soil, the voice of the voiceless,
the drumbeat from the South.
Hawu! Where is the free South Africa,
When a son of Africa suffers behind the bars?
Khulani okambule!"

Semere Kidane Adgoy
Uppsala, Sweden

Lindiwe Makhoza Malunga Dlamini
Student, University of Natal
Pietermartizburg, South Africa

Tina McCoy

C. Galioto
United States

Scott Mitchell

Moses Mohlomi

Ryan J. Williams

Colleen M. Kelly-Crooks
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Evert Potgieter
"Free the innocent...
A voice can hurt, but a gun obliterates."

Andrea von Wahl
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"To the Honorable President Thabo Mbeki,
Please listen to the voice of the people -- FREE MZWAKHE!
Remember, power to the people! Amandla!"

Charlene Barney
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
"I think it is wrong to put anyone in jail for a crime that
he/or she did not commit. Justice ought be fair and honest."

Reuben S. Dlamini
Swaziland
"Peace unto you
Truth will set you free"

Thami
"It is only GOD who can judge him."

Martina Lippuner
Winterthur, Switzerland
"Peace from Switzerland to all the people of South Africa!
FREE MZWAKHE!
Make South Africa a better country for your children!"

Thabo Daniel Madeba
"One day we will celebrate Mzwakhe's return from jail."

Gazza Lou Deveila
South Africa
"We've experienced all kinds of badness in our fatherland.
Why do people not understand what is good and what is wrong?
What is justice in my land? Is it justice with no mercy?
Or justice with no criminal record?
The government is full of drug maulers.
MBULI MUST COME OUT!"

Robert Windsor
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
"The Truth Commission
Forgives criminals of apartheid
What stands for innocent souls?
Steel bars of prison cells"

Sasja Odenyo
Uppsala, Sweden

L.M. Hlabatau
"Mzwakhe's freedom of expression is that of all of us."

Jason B. Ward

Dr. Biko Agozino
"Not alone, all alone any more
for the world is with you
in solidarity and not confinement!"

Raceal Francois
Laguna Niguel, California, USA

Adrienne Gallagher
Pennsylvania, USA

Karabo Mokoena
South Africa

Goodman Moroamohube
South Africa
"Mbuli, indeed you are commended all over the world.
I know you are arrested for no apparent reason.
Due to this situation, I feel the pain of calamity.
When I listen to your poems, I feel happier...
May God bless your enemies to live longer,
to see your contribution."

Mark Bidwell
Saskatoon, Canada

Vusi Nyoni

Julien Devergie
Dublin, Ireland

William J. Carr
Toledo, Ohio, USA

Tammy
Portland, Oregon, USA

Johnnie Wallace, Jr.
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Zoran Pistotnik
State Undersecretary, Republic of Slovenia
"We believe Mr. Mzwakhe Mbuli will be free soon, and we'll have
an opportunity to invite him to appear on our music festival,
Druga Godba/The Other Music Festival."

Emerita Emerencia
"In a democratic society
people are innocent until proven guilty.
RELEASE MZWAKHE MBULI NOW!!!
GIVE HIM A FAIR TRIAL!
In not doing so you create bad karma for yourselves.
Remember, the universe is watching your every move!"

Peter L Ndhlovu
Gauteng, South Africa
"The truth shall always prevail. Mzwakhe is an innocent man
who now happens to be oppressed by his own government, as if the
four hundred years of white oppression was not enough.
You can run, but you cannot hide!
FREE MZWAKHE NOW!"

Carolyn Rosen
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"I add my name to the list of those who
support the immediate release of this man."

Karina Kernz
Tamaulipas, Mexico
"Mientras mas tiranico sea un gobierno, mas habla de libertad.
Aquellos que niegan la libertad a otros no la merecen para si,
y bajo un Dios justo no podra conservarla mucho tiempo."
Translation from Spanish to English:
"The more tyrannical a government, the more it talks of liberty.
Those who negate the liberty of others do not deserve it for themselves
and under a just God do not have much time."

Theodore Sylvester John
SANKOFA Productionz
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
"Stories like these are heart-shattering,
what one would expect from movie writers/producers/directors.
But sadly enough this is REAL, VERY REAL.
Shame on the South African government!!
I will commence immediate campaign on my end
(North Florida) for the release of MZWAKHE MBULI."

Lance
Ulundi, KwaZulu/Natal,South Africa
"Set him free TODAY!"

Joe Oppong

Lionel Akue
"I am very disturbed to hear that after decades of apartheid,
we will have to go through another era of injustice.
Mzwakhe Mbuli is indeed a voice for improvement of our human
conditions, and those who choose to throw a chilling chapter on
his quest to more freedom and justice will be very disappointed,
because we will not tolerate any form of inhumanism.
He is in prison because he refuses to close his eyes on
the corruption and ill of South African society,
and we demand that Mbuli be released immediately."

Karl Warner

Kirsten Haushalter
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!"

David Bellous
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Petra van Enckevort

Shannon Smith
Port Orchard, Washington, USA

Angelica Galagal
USA

Mandy Vere
News from Nowhere Community Bookshop
Liverpool, England
"We are publicising Mzwakhe's case.
He will return!
Freedom, truth & justice!"

Shawn Farner

Rosalie Marie

Josh Bruney

James Beckman
"THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING!"

Fatima
Cape Town, South Africa

Khulani Qoma
Empangeni, South Africa
"Mzwakhe, I love you, you are my hero,
despite you being imprisoned for nothing.
I pray and so wish that you be released.
We need you, and we can not afford to lose you."

Ahmeda Mansaray
Canada

Frederick Felgen

Amanda Muhammad

Velaphi Hlatshwayo
Faculty of Bioscience
University of Cardiff, Wales, U.K.
"I am a Swazi by birth and like Mzwakhe's music very much.
You know why? The answer is simple. The guy speaks for the
voiceless and the poorest of the poor in society.
He has made the captive to breathe a sigh of hope.
VIVA, Mzwakhe!!
The people who put you behind bars
are enemies of justice and human rights!"

Dan Magaziner
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Ernie
Johannesburg, South Africa
"Soon, you will be free."

Stephen Fine
London, England, U.K.

Jobiba Chinkhumba

Frederick Treichel
San Francisco, California, USA
"Mzwakhe, they can imprison you
but not your mind, your words, your music.
My thoughts are with your family
and that beautiful place you call home."

Van Yeboah-Dattey
"Please look at the facts of this case again.
We know how many of our brothers and sisters have been
wrongly accused and viciously murdered. Even innocent children."

Chaim Spencer Mdaka
Dallas,Texas, USA
"There is no logic in the imprisonment of Mzwakhe because
of his speaking against corruption that is taking place in
our beloved country. He has the right to speak against corruption,
especially as he has greatly contributed to the formation
of the present so-called Democratic South Africa.
It would be very rational and fair if those in power
can release him from prison forthwith.
I, therefore, appeal to Our Honourable President, Thabo Mbeki,
to exert his influence to the effect of releasing
our distinguished poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli."

Chris Khanjana
Springfield, Missouri, USA
"Please release Mzwakhe NOW."

Dr. Ishmael Doku
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Don Mathanga
"His poetry lifted so many in the struggle against injustice,
not only in South Africa, but all over Africa."

Eleanor Gausden
London, England, U.K.

Chitama Yusufu
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
"FREE MZWAKHE NOW! Yes, now, and not later!
Free the People's Poet! AMANDLA!
Free this great poetic hero of our time!
Mzwakhe, soon you'll be free, for they know you are innocent.
WE MISS YOU, MZWAKHE!"

Efe Aruede
"If the South African government indeed has a case,
they would not deny a visit from Amnesty.
It was against injustice of this sort that they fought for years.
That is why they received support all over the world.
For them to deny Mzwakhe's rights is a sad reflection on the ANC.
If a person has committed an offence, he should be punished only if
guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt, subject to appeal.
I get the impression this has not been followed in this case.
I live in a society which thrived on this until very recently.
I therefore understand Mzwakhe's plight and appeal to the authorities
to speed up the appeal, which hopefully will restore his freedom."

Beverly Gould Shaw
Austin, Texas, USA
"They can imprison your body but not your message!
Mzwakhe, I will make a joyful noise to Jah Almighty and pray
the sinners will release you from their evil clutches."
Abundant love, Sista Irie (Beverly Shaw)

Chris Card
United Kingdom
"I had no idea this incredible man was being treated this way.
If the government wants to convince people that he is
being held fairly and treated in a humane way, they must answer
questions put to them rather than avoiding the issue.
I hope that together his supporters will be able to bring
sufficient pressure to bear on the government, which is still very
immature, so that Mzwakhe can rejoin his friends and family."

Soffie Ceesay
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
"Allow TRUTH and JUSTICE to flourish in the South Africa
we marched for in the Gambia during those harrowing years of
apartheid. Please Mr. Mbeki, release Mr. Mzwakhe Mbuli."

Rachel Evans
"I read about Mzwakhe in Green Left Weekly and was horrified
to hear the ANC has targeted this anti-apartheid hero.
The struggle obviously continues as a layer of officials
(in the new government) become corrupted by power and greed.
I hope the court cases go well and that the people do not forget."

Aaron
Student, UCD, Dublin, Ireland

E.N. Kasuto
South Africa
"I also believe in the innocence of the People's Poet."

Ntsiki Kubheka

Nancy Hillary
South Africa
"Mzwakhe is a beautiful and kind man.
He is innocent - please look at the facts!!!!"

Fatmata McCormack
Beltsville, Maryland, USA
"I've followed this case through the international press.
I believe there has been a great miscarriage of justice.
The truth will emerge eventually."

Freckson T. Ropi
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Kodwo Ababio
New York, USA
"In an environment of lies, the truth becomes a stranger."
The truth should never be silence.
FREE THE PEOPLE'S POET!

Cam Parker
Sydney, Australia
"Your struggle for liberation is but one chapter in the
struggle for the liberation of a country still in chains.
They can imprison the revolutionary but not the revolution!
FREE MZWAKHE!"

Victor Somutun

Real Abdul Malik Lapalme
Berkeley, California, USA
"May justice prevail, especially
in this country of hope, model to the world."

Emmanuel Tava
Dallas, Texas, USA

Jopie Dullaart
Mtubatuba, KZN, South Africa
"The struggle continues..."

Sharetta Pieter

Ramosotho Mokgadi

James L. Enlow
Columbia, South Carolina, USA
"Have sent article about Mr. Mbuli's tribulations
to our local Amnesty International chapter.
My support and my prayers are with you all."

Amon Ngavetene-Ombujovakuru
Republic of Namibia

Chris Kilala
Düssledorf, Germany

P.C. Kodisang
"Keep your head up; don't let the negative forces
hold you down. We are with you all the way!"

B. Kukuri
Windhoek, Namibia

Frank Bures
Oregon, USA
"Does the new South African government stand for freedom
and justice--or aspiring to imitate its predecessor?"

Sabrina Adamsky
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Pedro Bully
"We call on the South African Government
to release the "People's Poet".
From singing praise songs for Madiba on his inauguration,
to being a criminal?? This cannot be true.
The Truth will out, one day!!!"

Sabelo Zamisa

Mihe Gaomab II
"Because I know the message he delivers through his poems,
I believe that a fair trial is the answer to determine the
real truth behind these charges of our poet."

Annika Bolten
Varese, Italy

Fiona Hopper
United Kingdom

Dr. Kofi Ellison
Washington, D.C., USA
"I have followed the case against poet Mbuli and thought that
he was by now a free man because of the suspicious nature of the
case against him. I am surprised that he is still incarcerated.
I saw Mr. Mbuli on television giving a resounding poem
before Mr. Mandela's Inaugural Address (in 1994).
I have watched a tape of his poetry reading several times since.
It is indeed a shame that for apparently political reasons,
an innocent man is being held in prison.
This is a travesty of justice.
PLEASE RELEASE MBULI NOW!!!!"

Thembinkosi Nyathi

Victor Buhali

Andy
United States of America
"People in the USA are watching events in South Africa
with the keenest interest. The events surrounding the arrest
and imprisonment of Mzwakhe Mbuli will determine the views
that many Americans hold on South Africa for some time.
It is not in the interest of the people or government of
the great nation of South Africa to hold political prisoners
and thus portray themselves to the world as a nation still in
thrall of Apartheid rather than the presently held image
as the world's freest and most ethical nation."

Emily Andreas
Windhoek, Namibia

Gibby Chris
"FREE HIM!
We want him out of that place.
Hear our request!"

Cy Kassoff

Sue Ryrie
United Kingdom

Ilene Michaud
USA
"Please free this father.
His children need him."

Rick Russell

Zebulon Debeila
"Why are these convictions necessary?
First that bank, now other allegations -- WHY?
You'll be free, Mzwakhe. Be patient.
GOD BLESS YOU!"

Marie Gettings
United Kingdom
"This is an urgent request that Mzwakhe Mbuli
be speedily given a date for an appeal.
He performed on more than one occasion in our city and is
remembered by many with respect, as an inspirational poet & leader.
The authorities who keep him imprisoned do nothing
to cultivate the respect of free-thinking people."

Miha Nabergoj
Slovenia

Conney Baloi
"I am a citizen of South Africa, but I am now in America.
Please release Mzwakhe Mbuli.
I know he did not commit any crime.
It is not fair for him to be treated like a criminal.
I hope the President takes this into consideration."

Pacnik Jan
Slovenia
"A friend brought this injustice to my attention.
After reading this and knowing his poetry for some time,
I sign and send a message to the world:
FREEDOM IS GETTING RUSTY
ON THE PAVEMENT OF OPPRESSION!"

Edith Vanterpool
"I am praying for you!"

Diane Bourgois
"Set him free!"

Safiya Mohammed
Somalia and USA

Frank Mabutla
Salisbury, North Carolina, USA
"I have closely read about Mzwakhe.
I am convinced that he is innocent.
May his release be made speedily, the sooner the better
for all his friends, family and countrymen."

Ayodeji Dee Adeyinka

Dr. A.B. Bodomo

Johnnie Kwaku Miller

Alpha Jallow
"I want to add my support to the campaign to release Mbuli.
I would like you to know, Mzwakhe, how much I appreciate your music.
You have done so much to enlighten people and to entertain them.
Keep up the struggle!"

Tony Bensusan

Leah Rosch
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
"I send my best wishes and prayers
to the children and family of Mzwakhe Mbuli.
I pray for your safety, comfort and perseverance
until the joyful day when you are able to see
your father, husband, and relative again.
Peace be with you."

Latrice R. Love
"I am praying for the Mbuli family.
May God bless those who take a stand
in the fight against injustice.
I will be sending this website to everyone I know."

Leanne McIntyre
Canada
"An amazing friend of mine loves Mzwakhe Mbuli,
so I am on my way to love him also."
Mzwakhe, all my best to you and your truth."

Linda Carroll
Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Ina Dunbabin
Australia
"How could you do that to your own countryman?
FREE MZWAKHE!"

Mujara Bosele Machengedza
University of Botswana
"God is greater than man.
You shall prevail."

Scott Bickford
Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Andrew Alexander
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I.
"Black Man does not get anything easy.
The truth will always prevail."

Gary Garrett
Melbourne, Australia
"In the spirit of justice, strengthened with unity,
I call on the readers to DO THE RIGHT THING
and release this man back to his family."

Tyrone Senior
"I am a resident of the USA and one of those people
who have been inspired by the works of Mzwakhe.
I hope that justice will be served by
granting this great poet his freedom.
My prayers are with you, Mzwakhe Mbuli!"

Timothy Nevin, a.k.a. DJ Esperanto
Chicago, IL, USA

Ella Ganon
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Zingisa Zibonti
"Release Mzwakhe. His family needs him.
Criminals are walking freely on our streets
while a good citizen is in prison."

Hayley Mezei
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
"SET THIS GREAT MAN FREE!
From a follower who has been enriched and touched
by the music and words and truth of Mzwakhe. Courage!"

Mohammad A. Gani

Hitjevi Obafemi Tjiroze
"Free him! Or else let him free us!
Our minds are in dire straits."

Robert Nhlengani Maluleke
"Don't worry,
hi na wena hi nkarhi hinkwayo!"

Renata Reck
"I was a teenager in South Africa in the 80's.
Mzwakhe inspired people like me to become a poet.
He is our South African 'Tupac.' FREE HIM!!"

Jaye Arney
Arcata, California, USA
"I'm tired of all these obvious injustices.
What are we going to do?"

Dintlefatso Gabana
"Certainly one day the truth will prevail.
Mzwakhe, I believe your "pen will roll without a stop."
We miss that voice."

Eliva Atieno Ambugo
Principia College
Elsah, Illinois, USA

David G. Richardson III
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
"It is sad that there would still be
human rights violations by the year 2000.
Where has mankind come from?
Where is the human race going?
How much time and flesh must be wasted
before there is justice?"

Kemi Mohammed
Elsah, Illinois, USA

Kristin Ake

Mathew J. Schario
Athens, Ohio, USA
"This is another sign of the terrible
injustices which now plague and desensitize
judicial systems around the globe.
When will we ever learn?"

Emefa Nutor

Janine Davic
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Kitoye Eke
"It is unfortunate that our leaders
never learn from their mistakes.
There is enough doubt in the evidence that such a trial
wouldn't have taken place in a decent society.
We as Africans must lift ourselves
above these backward tendencies.
The whole judicial system is on trial,
and maybe Mzwakhe was destined
to expose this cancer worm.
I am optimistic that the Appeal Court will exonerate him.
His personal sacrifices may be the price to cleanse the Police.
May God give you the strength and comfort in your fight
to liberate the downtrodden and forgotten."

Tisha Ludmillad
"FREE THE PEOPLE'S POET!"

Katherine Robson
North York, Ontario, Canada

Cynthia Fianu
"PLEASE FREE HIM!"

Crissy
"I'll pray for him.
He is in my prayers."

Lisa Krause
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Arttu Tolonen
"I would like to urge the present administration of
South Africa to refrain from taking a page out of the
apartheid regime's law-and-order philosophy.
I would like to believe the future belongs to Africa
if only it would start respecting its citizens.
Politicians, soldiers and officers of the law
have always been the continent's greatest liabilities."

Joel Dipatane
Seattle, Washington, USA

Razikua Joshua Kaumbi, Omaruru Poet
University of Namibia, Republic of Namibia
"Another sun went buried
Yet no news of his release
Another day of hypocritical talks
One bureaucrat parading the other
Bureaucrat's love for justice
Yet a son rotting in jail
His rights rotten
His rights a political game
His rights a ticket to hide
Fleshiness of the heart
The sound of the key to freedom can fade
The pen shall never fade
In shackles it shall write
In shackles it shall vomit
Uprooting the shrubs of organized insanity
Yes, comrade poet, sing, for Afrika listens
A free man belongs under the sun"

Mrs. L.S. Zwane
South Africa
"God will help you.
HE is the only one who can remove those chains
around your ankles and hands.
Pray -- don't give up!"

Melissa Hazlitt
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
"How such darkness could be bestowed
on such a bright person, I do not know.
I have never met him, but his light
touches me across the seas.
As a teen, I feel such pain for his children.
To those who keep him from the people,
I say this: FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
They will pay their dues.
If not, in this life time,
then the next.
Keep your head up."

Kevin Mollo
Kelvin-Grove, QLD4059, Australia
"It's not far before the world knows the truth.
In spirit, we are with you.
Re go tlhwaafaletse."

Teresa Domka
Seattle, Washington

Shepiso Senye
"Beloved brother, we know that there is no regime
that can hold the hot lid of a boiling pot forever.
GOD IS POWER.
GOD BLESS YOU."

Marothi wa ga Phoshoko
Windsor Park, Randburg, South Africa

Warra Khumalo
"Be strong, as you did before."

Eugene Haslam
Ottawa, Canada
"Mzwakhe Mbuli played at my nightclub,
Zaphrod Beeblebrox (http://www.zaphodbeeblebrox.com)
I urge the South African government
to treat him fairly and justly."

Kathy Newnam
Australia

Kara Bachman
"Innocence should not be stolen
from those who have earned it.
Return Mzwakhe's innocence
and let him return to his people."

Keiko Kusunose
Japan
"Justice will overcome.
Human Rights should be guaranteed
in democratic South Africa."

Tuovi Tolonen
Mikkeli, Finland

Joseph Kinahan
Dundalk, Ireland

Birgitte Romme Larsen
Copenhagen, Denmark

Kageso Dockskin Malepa
"Mzwakhe, please don't cry.
You got to keep your head up,
even when the police don't let you.
Never give up."

Tony Mphethle
"Mzwakhe is innocent.
The Truth shall set you free, Baba.
Free the son of the soil!"

Esteban Curia
Andorra la Vella
Principat de Andorra

Benji Jeffrey Sibanda
Seshaya, South Africa

Karen Smith
"It has come to my attention
that a crime has been committed against the world --
not just against South Africa, but the world!
I believe that this man is a gift from God.
Please free GOD's gift!"

Amina Barleci
"Is freedom a puzzle?
Is freedom a quiz?
What is freedom?
And what is the meaning of freedom?"
(from Freedom Puzzle, by Mzwakhe Mbuli)

Piet T. Kekana
"To you hard-hearts, you cruel men of South Africa:
KNOW YOU NOT MZWAKHE??
How can you fight crime with corruption?
MZWAKHE IS INNOCENT!
Please, we need him back!!"

Daniel Horgan
"I think this is a bloody outrage,
that this man with so much stamina is in jail!"

Roxanne Spruance
Chicago, Illinois, USA
"Freedom is a natural right, not a privilege.
Return to him the freedom that we take for granted.
Keep fighting, Mzwakhe! We all are!"

Ngwangwama Matthiax Mpareke
Namibia
"Please release an innocent man now!!!"

Victoria
"Keep your head up!"

Blaire Alyn Novick
USA
"It frightens me to know people are still this abusive and racist.
I am from America, and we all know about Mumia Abu Jamal.
This injustice must stop immediately!
I am, as well, a poet and thinker and activist.
We all have our right to do things that makes others happy,
and Mzwakhe's poetry made people happy!
I hope he is released into freedom, where we can all
hear the echoes of his poet's voice again."

Hadji James
"Mzwakhe, I beg you to behave in prison,
because I need you to be back home
sharing your words of power with the public!
The truth is yet to come, and the truth shall set you free.
Your majestic work will never, ever diminish.
There must be a storm in the midst of the sun."

V.P. April
Stellenbosch, South Africa
"Mzwakhe has not killed anyone.
How many killers are flocking up and down our streets?
Replace him with all the people who belong in prison."

Phillip Ncombo
Pretoria, South Africa and Brooklyn, New York, USA
"I would like to appeal to the persons responsible for
Mzwakhe's imprisonment to please come forward and tell the truth.
Think of the poor children who still need their father,
the poor woman who has to be a mother as well as a father to them.
FREE Mzwakhe! They need him.
South Africa needs him, and so does the whole MOTHERLAND."

Matolela Eric Halahala
Gaborone, Botswana
"When will true justice be done?"

Joanna Lake
"In everyone's eyes, this man is a hero.
Heroes should be allowed to walk on this earth, not be locked up in it.
To his children, I send my love.
Your daddy will be home soon.
God bless you!"

Catherine Mommsen
Vancouver, USA
"In Solidarity"

Ahmed F. Mbalia
"Africa thanks you for your contributions
in the continued pursuit of the liberation of our people.
Our struggle is a just one, and justice will prevail.
Our struggle is a protracted struggle, and as your case highlights,
a struggle against both national and class oppression.
We thank you for your energy.
Africa will be free, united and socialist.
Long live the struggle of our people.
Forward to Pan-Africanism!"

Bernard Mokase
South Africa
"No matter what you can do to Mzwakhe,
he is my hero, my role model and my main man!
He is the man of reason, of hope, of love,
of conscience and of unbroken spirit."

Floyd
South Africa
"Ukwanda kwaliwa umthakathi."

Pedro Babb
"I would like to appeal to the 'authorities' that are
denying the rights of a free man to allow him to speak
and enable him to be what he is to the people of South Africa:
a poet of the people.
Remember him.
Please let him be a free man!"

Julia Wolff
The University of Georgia, Georgia, USA

Norben Neidel
"Mbuli has been a great inspiration to me,
and with this I find him not guilty.
Please release this innocent man who talks the truth
that destroys those who have oppressed.
The people's poet has the way to the truth,
so it seems if you tell the truth, you remain the enemy.
RELEASE MBULI!
This I say because I care for those who miss their Dad.
With love, from Norway"

Robert Mjoli
South Africa
"Release the HERO, and stop racist hatred!"

Tracy Mallinson
United Kingdom
"Shame on you, Rolihlahla and Thabo!!
In all my time in South Africa from 1978 to 1997,
I never felt anything but love and admiration for you.
Nelson, I screamed when you were released and ran on the road in Dube.
At night I danced outside your small house you lived in before jail,
hoping you were coming back--even as a gesture--and you did.
I didn't come into your garden, even though you were seeing people then.
I felt embarrassed that white people had locked you up, and I am white.
I will regret not embracing you in person for the rest of my life.
Believe me when I say I am very saddened by Mzwakhe Mbuli's imprisonment.
I class him with the beautiful people I grew to love in South Africa.
Many people have gotten away with things that were awful.
It has been proved that they were guilty, but in the name of
truth and reconciliation, they have been able to go free.
Many of those crimes were not political at all.
I have been threatened many times.
I know some racists will never change."

Jacqui Zurcher
Cape Town, South Africa
"I am studying Mzwakhe's poetry in a literature course at
University of Cape Town, and I am appalled that he is labouring in jail
while South Africa tries to work out her freedom."

Mpembela Mvuseleli
South Africa
"Please free Mzwakhe.
Is this how you treat this man?
This poet has been the voice of the people,
and this is the thanks he gets?
Who is going to sing for us?"

John Maseko
Zimbabwe
"We miss you, brother, and we await for your release.
We await for your return!"

Pat Zondi
"I support the release of Mzwakhe.
He has done much for South Africa.
That R15,000 is something we can pay.
(Banks are robbers as well!)
Mzwakhe is not the only South African/"Mississippi Justice" victim.
There are so many others.
South Africans should remember Mzwakhe and support him.
He risked everything for the nation.
Sympathies also to the family.
Remember, the truth will set him free one day."

Matome
"Prison is not a graveyard, no matter how long it takes.
We are most assured of your creativity.
All this will be a shame to those who framed you.
Our love for you and your music will remain unshaken
until the day dawns for your release."

Zamikhaya kaNdiki
South Africa
"As a South African citizen, I sincerely pledge solidarity
and appeal to the ANC-led Government of National Unity to
RELEASE THE PEOPLES POET!"

Sandile Fakudze
Swaziland
"Swaziland is where I dwell, and I could say that
I was so hurt by what happened to Mbuli and his family.
You will remain a hero, Mbuli.
The golden rule says a curse causeless shall never come.
Always have the strength that you were given by my God.
VIVA MZWAKHE, VIVA!"

Flora Stohr-Danziger

Nqobizitha Moyo
"We miss you so much, Mzwakhe, but the struggle continues."

Monde
Stockholm, Sweden
"I believe this man to be innocent.
I believe this man to be truthful.
I believe this man to be honorable.
I believe this man to be steadfast.
Truth cannot be covered-up or locked-in, but truth sets free.
Let the liar lie and the thief steal,
but in time it shall all be revealed.
Mzwakhe cannot be imprisoned forever
cos' the truth is bound to set him free.
FREE MZWAKHE!!!"

Sizwe

January Setty Tshabangu
University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa
"If you can make it through the night, there is a brighter day.
It is a struggle every day, you got to hold on.
Everything will be OK if you hold on."

Lindani Gysman
"Prison is therefore not a grave..."
The truth is yet to come!

Advocate/Barrister Falaza Hlohla
London, England
"Learning of your case really shocked me.
Has the South African Police taken leave of their senses?
I will fight along with all the concerned people of this world
for your unconditional release.
You are innocent, and you must be set free now.
I will bring your plight to the world legal forum
so that all the lawyers of the world know that corruption takes
precedent over justice and freedom of speech in the New South Africa.
You are not alone in your struggle. "

Mduduzi Mzulwini
South Africa
"Hold on, Mr. Mbuli, until people see the life in you and rectify
that you are the most vital component of the South African future."

Kim Hanna
United States of America
"Please release this man and order a new trial."

Donald Morton
"Freedom is not an option.
It is a right."

Rowda Moallin
"Free the innocent victims of bigotry and hatred!"

City Thobane
Gaborone, Botswana
"I love Mzwakhe very much.
He really made me what I am to date.
He has educated me.
I would like to visit him in prison one time."

Rahim
"Good luck, my man..."

Joshua Makhaza
"You all know he is innocent.
Mzwakhe, we still love you."

Siyabonga "Saibo" Kose
"Those who betray the soul of man
and practice the devil's philosophy
can't stand in front of you forever.
If the government can't do something about this,
the God of Africa, of the poor and oppressed
will see what to do.
No police can arrest your talent.
FREE MZWAKHE!
Criminals are around the community while
innocents are behind bars!
FREE OUR HERO! PLEASE, FREE HIM NOW!
KEEP HOPE ALIVE! THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
FROM THE BONDAGE OF THE APARTHEID LEGACY!"

Fana Lembethe
"Why tricks, and not solutions?
I am also of the idea that
the issue of Mzwakhe needs to be revisited."

Stan Schutte
"I am a South African living in Germany.
The allegations made regarding politicians'
involvement in drug running are in my opinion true.
FREE MZWAKHE!!!"

Lincoln Matli
"Truly, the people shall govern.
The time has not yet arrived for the black nation.
Indeed, the people shall govern.
Mzwakhe, qwetha lama qwetha.
The people live in you!
Our thoughts are heard through your words of wisdom,
through your voice of passion.
We remain forever enslaved by our own selves because
'A black man shall never rise over a black man.'
Sizwe esimnyama!
Let us wake up and smell the coffee!
It is time to stand together.
It is time to fight for a common cause.
Umntwa ga Mbuli, siyamkhalela.
The people shall govern.
Through Mzwakhe Mbuli our voices
will be heard in foreign lands.
You shall never be silenced,
because wisdom is greater than silver and gold.
Soon the poet will be free.
And then the people shall govern,
because we cannot govern without our poet,
otherwise he wouldn't be called 'the people's poet.'
Khululani uMzwakhe, you hypocrites!"

Sundal Roy
London, U.K.

Fhathu
"Why arrest heroes
when criminals are walking free?"

Gaston Murray

Vincent Tiso
Bisho, Eastern Cape, South Africa
"Now is the time to release Mzwakhe
and the other freedom fighters.
Now is the time!"

G.M. Watson
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Free Mzwakhe!
"He is a great artist and unjustly imprisoned!"

Mlungisi Calvin Makhanya
"You may be behind bars, but we will never forget you
and your contribution to the liberation struggle.
The fight for your release
is the fight against corruption and elitism
and the fight for equity and justice.
Long live the people's poet!"

Tommy LeRoux
South Africa
"Without freedom, there is no justice.
Without justice, there is no freedom."

Victor Takhalo
"May the law first be imposed on the white collar crime, and
then we will know at least that the police are serving the community."

City Thobane
"They are just trying to block your way,
but they will never break your spirit.
Wherever you are, just keep up the spirit.
You will be back!
POWER TO MR. MBULI!"

Tshireletso Motlogelwa
Gaborone, Botswana

Dan Nooter
"Though I am ignorant,
I know Mzwakhe is in Leeuwkop Prison,
though I do not know why.
Who can end this ignorance?
Who can talk of freedom
when truth lies enchained,
and a beginning to justice?"

Mothusi
Soshanguve, South Africa

Amber Cromartie
"I have studied apartheid, and it weakens me to my knees.
I hope that one day justice will be gained by the innocent.
I just want to say to Mzwakhe, that God will see to it that he gets the victory.
I will keep praying for you and for everyone in South Africa.
KEEP HOPE ALIVE, AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE!
I am young now, and sad to say that I can't come and protest in South Africa,
but I would love to even talk with people
when I am older, independent and can afford to travel.
I study black leaders who stood up as a voice for those who are mistreated.
I would like to know what apartheid was like from someone who experienced it.
To the family, I pray that they will set him free, because I know it's hard,
but you must be strong and remember, God is with you.
Thank you for this website.
It has informed me about things that I never would have known about."

Nokwazi Hlubi
USA
"You are innocent until proven guilty --
not the other way around!!!
JUSTICE!!"

Jeff Nowers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Linda Bennett
"What can I say? I am lost for words!
Yet another innocent man has been incarcerated,
when all he wanted was peace and harmony in his world.
We are with you, Mzwakhe, don't give up hope!!!"

Lael Wageneck
Athens, Georgia, USA

Rosita Cartier
"FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
Let there be some justice for people of color
in this land, continent, world, earth..."

Wazha Bawani
University of Botswana
"Please free Mzwakhe!
Let there be justice!"

Thiza
"He is the conscience of the nation
Him and money do not mix
Him and the truth do not collide
Inside him the spirit of resistance never diminish
He is the people's poet
Who has been mistaken for a criminal.
Freedom has turned out to be a nightmare for him.
FREE THE PEOPLE'S POET!
HE IS INNOCENT!"

Patrick Vicky Mashele
"Yes, we're with our eyes open, watching those on top.
To me, they really know the truth and will one day admit it.
God loves us all.
Let's hold hands and pray he will be out of jail soon."

Modisakgotla Kalayakgosi
"Please free the People's poet.
He is our only source of inspiration.
I pray to God that he guides and protects Mzwakhe until he is free."

Oaitse Oteng Thatayaone
Geelong, Australia
"The struggle against man's excesses continues.
Keep up the spirit, Mzwakhe."

Mandla Zulu
"Release the father of the orphans, widows and destitutes immediately."

Amanda Stutzman

Thabo Bright Moipolai
"Could you please release Mzwakhe Mbuli from jail.
Not forgetting the support he gave to millions of South Africans."

William Morodi

Sifiso Ntombela
"Phambili, Mzwakhe with your good work, you should know
that even if they try to spoil your name with their lies,
we will always be on your side.
They won't succeed."

Victor Hamutenya
"Mzwakhe does not belong in prison.
It is a shame that in the new South Africa,
people of the caliber of Mzwakhe are being framed as criminals
because the elite will be happy when he is jail."

Casey Lafleur
United States
"I will keep you in my prayers."

Dr.G.N.Abram

Bheki Ngidi

"How long must we feel the pain of oppression?"

Tracy Mallinson
United Kingdom (lived in South Africa from 1978 to 1997)
" I do not believe that Mzwakhe Mbuli did this crime!
What is going on?
Mzwakhe Mbuli sang praises at the inauguration of Nelson Mandela.
He brings millions of South Africans pleasure through his work.
Why would a decent, moralistic human being who fought in the
struggle against apartheid commit these so-called crimes?
The TRC has forgiven or at least let off the hook those
who made black South Africans' children and brothers and
sisters disappear and killed them in such brutal ways.
I am sure Mzwakhe Mbuli would not knowingly hurt anyone.
Why has his treatment been harsher than the treatment of others?
I admire black South Africans and the ANC for struggling against all odds.
I realize you cannot please all the people all the time, but
I am deeply, deeply disappointed about this whole affair.
I personally bribed someone out of jail in South Africa for R20!
He was supposed to be there 18 months; he spent 24 hours in Sun City.
YOU CANNOT JUSTIFY LOCKING THIS MAN  UP.
WHERE IS THE HARD EVIDENCE? LET US SEE IT!
This has hurt me so much. Hearing that Mzwakhe Mbuli is imprisoned
is almost like hearing that Rolihlahla (Nelson Mandela) is imprisoned again,
and I feel the same pain I felt when they shot Chris Hani."

Dingane kaMatukane
"They can keep our brother (Mu-Africa) behind bars,
but they will never break his spirit!
ALUTTA CONTINUA!!! (The struggle continues!)."

Maicy Viki
"Free Mzwakhe one time!"

Thebethe Mocuminyane
"We are all still in prison of our own minds.
We are house slaves now, but slaves all the same.
A seed is only a promise of a tree
so whoever thinks that he's free
must wake from that nightmare.
MZWAKHE, WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU.
WE CHOSE YOU, AND YOU CHOSE US INSTEAD OF THE GRAVY TRAIN.
YOU'RE STILL OUR BROTHER.
A lot of people don't have access to the Internet.
Please bear with us, my brother."

Nhlanganiso Mabuya
"Please release the innocent man."

Luyanda Mnapu
"Let the people's poet free!
The judicials of this country are the ones who can do that
when there is no evidence against Mzwakhe.
If they can't, they owe us an explanation."

Bhimjee Takalani
Matsila, Northern Province, South Africa
"Let us support Mzwakhe and not forget his powerful voice.
WE STILL LOVE YOU, MZWAKHE!
Long live the voice of Mbuli, long live!
MZWAKHE IS FREEDOM! FREE HIM!
God bless you, Mbuli!
One day we will be singing the songs of joy.
VIVA MBULI! VIVA!"

Absalom
South Africa

David Frans
Oshakati, Namibia
"No one can arrest the talent of a man.
HE IS THE WARRIOR.
The truth must be done."

Witness Dumisani
"Though you are behind bars
I can hear your voice, echoing from a distant land,
passing the royal message to the people of South Africa.
You quoted for them when they sentenced you.
The warrior who clings to life will die,
and the one who embraces death shall live long.
Remember that I am behind you.
I know that you are alone, but I am real, supporting you.
You are my role model."

Kennedy Mujokuto
"Mzwakhe is innocent.
Please free him!"

Christoph Kral
Austria

Z. Mgoduka
Dancer, singer and actor with Uphondo lwe Afrika,
Port Elizabeth, South Africa, currently in Sweden
"The light, power and talent you posses, bra-Mzi,
will stay with you for the rest of your life
and no one will take it away from you.
Even if they put you in a dark tunnel, your light will shine on!"

Nicholas Netzel
Duluth, Minnesota, USA

Fini
South Africa
"You are the inspiration
to the most South African youth and abroad.
I still have hope that you will one day come
and spread your freedom messages again."

Lorenzo Komboa Ervin
Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA

Phalane Motale
"We all know that you are where you are
because you stood by your principles.
But the truth shall set you free!"

Frances Hillyard
Berkeley, California, USA

Cordley Coit
"Poets ought to be free."

Sut Jhally
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Massachusetts, USA

Muzi Ncube

S.L. Ncube
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Morris Ndlovu

Dumisane Mpofu
Michigan, USA

Samukele Hadebe
Norway

Aubrey Mathinjwa
"Good luck, Mzwakhe -- we love you."

Mollie M. Dusinberre
Camden, Maine, USA
"I saw Mzwakhe in concert back in 1996.
I will never forget it.
He must be set FREE!"

Johathan G. Armbrecht
Camden, Maine, USA
"Resistance is defense!"

L.S.M. Dikao
"I believe he is not guilty."

Sindisiwe Ncube
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
"He was an innocent man right from the beginning, and he still is.
FREE HIM."

Scott Austin
"Free Mzwakhe, for he is an innocent man!"

Pulangan Ghaib
"You'll never walk alone!!"

Ngwako Prince Malatji
Tzaneen, South Africa
"I still maintain that Ntate Mzwakhe Mbuli is innocently innocent,
and that he has been framed by those against his ideas.
Those against Mzwakhe's truth, bitter statements and lifestyle
are against the majority of South Africans
who share the same ideas as those of Mzwakhe.
You cannot combat crime with corruption.
Indeed, you cannot boost police morale with propaganda,
and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Eugene Terreblanche, who terrorized the people
for such a long time, is free and at home.
Mzwakhe Mbuli is innocently in jail and alone.
To his children, his wife, beloved South Africans and the
international community: please be patient -- but not silent.
Be worried about his conditions in jail,
for an angry man is a courageous man.
Let us dream of hugging him before they kill him
like Moshood Abiola was murdered in Nigeria.
Let's pray that each day comes with his voice,
his breath and his pulses pumping blood.
The government of the day just became another regime
after dear Nelson stepped aside.
Corruption, crime, rape, theft, fraud, murder, propaganda--
this happens within Parliament!
If he be murdered, what a loss and a shame on you, lady Azania!
Chris Hani was murdered for his ideas because there was no regime to arrest him.
Maybe Mzwakhe was next, and only time denied his death.
Moya wa gago re na le wona, kae kapa kae
(your spirit shall live with us wherever we go).
You are the icon of change. African humanity lives in you.
You are a role model to the township dwellers, rural youth and parents.
You are an icon of courage.
May the appeal be successful. Hoping to meet you soon..."

Lutango Sigcau
"To Mzwakhe: They can try to break your body,
but they cannot break your spirit.
The apartheid dogs tried before them, but they never succeeded.
Long Live Mzwakhe, Long Live."

Donnchadh Aghas
Liverpool, England
"To the Jailers: Let the poet Mzwakhe go.
Return him to his family at once, and cleanse your shame!"
"To Mzwakhe: In the past, colonisers in my homeland of Ireland
imprisoned and hung our bards (poets).
It seems to me it is still happening in South Africa.
I hope you are let out. Stay strong!"

Nyameko Nondzube
Grahamstown, EC, South Africa

Elizabeth Cheryl Ayana Johnson
Detroit, Michigan
"May the wrongs of the past no longer be blemishes on the present/future.
May the courage of Mzwakhe Mbuli bear witness to the world
that the light of truth and justice must shine brightly upon South Africa.
For the shadows and echoes of apartheid are like open sores festering across the land,
because even now the wounds have yet to be cleansed of lies, fear, greed and envy.
LONG LIVE THE POWER OF TRUTH!
Peace Be Unto You, My Brothers and Sisters."

Thembile Arthurton Mrwebi
"I am sympathetic towards Mbuli.
I wish that he may be released.
He has fought for our liberation; therefore I see no need why is he arrested.
At the same time, there is no clear evidence for his arrest.
I need him.
He does not belong in prison.
Long live Mzwakhe, long live!"

Enoch H. Page, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA

Gillian Dyubheni
South Africa
"Please let Mzwakhe free.
He hasn't killed or harmed anyone.
Why deprive him of his freedom?"

Michelle Allen

Khanyi Magubane
"You can arrest a poet, but you can't arrest his words.
The truth remains to be told, and it is continually being told every day
when guilty criminals go free back into the streets.
The truth is, justice is a man's perception--not a state of being--in this country.
FREE MZWAKHE!!!!

Ephraim Ramollo
Trenton, New Jersey, USA
"Hang in there, brother.
I know justice shall prevail soon."

Daniel Merapelo Mothei
Botswana
"I strongly support the release of Mzwakhe Mbuli from prison."

Khumbu Magudulela
Johannesburg, South Africa

Jan Prock
Germany
"Free at last!"

Amelia Phillips, age 18
University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Those of us who profess to favor freedom yet depreciate agitation are
[people] who want the crops without plowing up the ground.
They want rain without thunder.
They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.
Power concedes nothing without a demand.
It never has, and it never will. --Frederick Douglass"

City Thobane
Gaborone, Botswana
"Every time there is a going in, there is a coming out of prison.
Prison is therefore not a grave.
Mandela was in prison for 27 years.
If Mzwakhe is there for half of that, we will wait for him.
uMzwakhe uzobuya nomakanjani."

Edward Dalesio
USA
"Keep on going!"

Mankotane Molabe
Pretoria, South Africa
"One day all the truth shall prevail,
and all the dirty work shall be exposed.
People will know the truth. We are all behind you."

Derek
South Africa
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves: 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?'
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that
other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
- Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech.

Nikelo "DJ Black" Katula
South Africa
"I'm not afraid to say Mzwakhe is innocent.
Here in South Africa it is evident that we as black people have wrong skin.
That's why Mzwakhe is in prison.
I mean, one is asking, 'Why is Hansie not in prison?'
My answer is that he does not have a wrong skin.
(All from a concerned student)"

Frank Sherlock
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Thembinkosi Nopapaza
"Even in times of adversity, we will stand by your side.
Whatever befalls, he will remain as our "Poet of the Struggle,"
and one day the truth will come.
Badane, badenge, badangale, badakumbe, badandatheke bade babe ding-dong.
There is no force on earth which could induce us to renounce him."

Siyuvile Masiza
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
"Bra Zwai...made a major contribution to our 'Freedom' as people of Mzantsi.
He is such a great person, I do not know where to start when talking about him.
There were times in our revolution when we thought
we would never achieve what we now have.
There were times of pain when the white policeman
arrested every male, young and old, in our communities.
There were times when all men had to go into hiding,
fearing white police would come and take them away.
There were times our mothers were not sleeping because
they did not know where their sons were.
Others knew, but again were very scared because
their sons had decided to join the forces to fight the white man.
Mzwakhe was with the masses all these times.
He was the inspiration for the masses.
We found comfort in his words.
They gave us courage to move on and continue with our struggle
because it was something we had to do.
We had nothing to lose but a New South Africa to have.
FREE MZWAKHE.
Thank you."

John Flett
United Kingdom

Tembile Mrwebi
South Africa
"Mzwakhe was born to lead, and God knew him even before his birth.
Guys, those who think you can destroy him, you are wasting your time.
Mzwakhe was born to be a hero; that you cannot change,
so give him a chance to perform his TALENT.
President Mandela, I appeal to you:
please raise a finger for the people's poet to be released.
I love him, and I miss his poetic voice."

Kim D. Hunter
Detroit, Michigan, USA
"I used to play Mzwakhe's music on the public station here in Detroit.
He is an inspiration.
I am shocked, saddened and disappointed
to discover him imprisoned under false pretense.
Please, those of you who have fought so long for justice:
seek justice for this man now!"
~Yours in Struggle~

Tembile Madaka
Eastern Cape Technikon, South Africa
"Mzwakhe, you have seen that these people
(the rulers, the same people you put in power) don't care for you...
Now it is time for you to lead South Africa.
When they release you, join a Christian organisation
and preach the gospel God meant you to
and call for all born again Christians to support you.
I will be the first one to support you,
because only Christians can rule this country and bring justice.
I need your leadership there, for you have all the leadership qualities.
People of South Africa, let us not keep quiet!
Let us cry for the release of Mbuli, for he is innocent.
South African government, please free our poet now!"

Kelebogile Mphele
"Ivolovolo!"

Jacobo Santos Cadarso
Spain
"RELEASE HIM!
Mzwakhe Mbuli, South Africa people's poet:
A great man who has fought for justice, against apartheid, and
who has always been giving the people a message of hope, peace and love
FREE MZWAKHE!"

Peter Darling
United Kingdom
"This man is an inspiration."

Hans Hermann-Bohling
Germany
"Please set Mzwakhe Mbuli free!"

Buyani Mthembu
South Africa
"Innocence is written on Mzwakhe's face.
State people, please, will you act like fellow human beings!
MZWAKHE WAS NEVER GUILTY!
Free MZWAKHE MBULI please!
We beg you in the name of peace and honesty."

Andy Bango Dube
USA
"One day the truth shall be known."

Unathi
"I pledge my full support to the People's Poet.
God will see him through.
The truth shall prevail!"

Nicholas Russell

Calvin Mokgalaka
South Africa
"I personally believe Mzwakhe was framed.
It's time for our Minister of Justice to intervene in this matter.
Forward with the 'Release Mzwakhe Campaign.'"

Bheki Ngwenya
South Africa
"Release Mzwakhe!"

Nicholas Mabelane
Wits University, South Africa
"Why is...in Africa?
Why do we build prisons for innocent people, not school so they can learn
to tell the difference between innocent Africans and guilty unpopular regimes?
...Nothing will change our minds; we will fight for the truth and against lies..."

Danae Silva
Monterrey, NL, New Mexico, USA

Angharad Penrhyn Jones
Wales, UK

Jeremy Young
United Kingdom
"Good luck.
Your strength gives many others strength.
I hope you are free soon."

Sindiswa Mahlangu
Krems, Austria
"The people have spoken, let justice be done...
Keep on, Mzwakhe--the people WILL NEVER turn their backs on you!"

Phil Godfrey
Liverpool, UK

Nicholas Russell

Noah Fishman
Vermont, USA
"We must continue together the fight for freedom."

Thomas Koutsoukos

Sandra and Terry Wall
Wirral, UK

Christian Dent
United Kingdom
"I hope the innocent are soon released to their families."

Thapelo Reuben Mainole
Mochudi village, Botswana
"You can be framed, but your talent cannot be abolished anyhow."

Gordon
University of Texas at Dallas, USA

Ted Parry
Institute of Welsh Politics / Department of International Politics
University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Wales

V.P. April
University of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
"If they can free killers with cold blood like Terreblanche,
I can't understand why they can't free you, Mzwakhe!
Thabo Mbeki and all the relevant Departments:
Please free Mzwakhe Mbuli!
By doing that, you will be healing many wounds..."

Stu
Wales, UK
"Peace, love and strength to Mzwakhe and all his loved ones.
This will--and must--end soon."

Scot
"May what you love the most be free..."

Maadia Begawen
USA
"Trust in God and pray to him daily.
He is the Judge that sits high and looks low.
He has the power to do all things but fail.
Find peace in Him and trust Him to free you from the Pharoahs of South Africa.
I will pray for your immediate release. Peace be unto you..."

Pumza Mpofu
South Africa

Nhlanhla

Linda
South Africa
"Free the poet now, or else..."

Eirik Blegeberg
Norway

Edwin Machabaphala
Pietersburg, South Africa

G.L.C.R.
Lebowakgoma

Evan Greenberg

Jeffrey Jankie
Botswana
"We pray that Mbuli's body will get out of prison and join his spirit
that has always been an inspiration to people of Botswana, especially
those that are associated with poetry.
We love him, and we are really looking forward
to the day he is released and will join his family."

Botsalo Nkane
Botswana
"God never goes back on His word.
He will deliver you and bless you.
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."

Denise Kelley
Prague, Czech Republic
"We hope to see those long legs dancing soon.
You delighted audiences in Liverpool before, and I hope you will again.
So many people care!
Freedom now for Mzwakhe Mbuli - justice based on truth."

Alpheus Matlou
South Africa
"Mzwakhe--Walk tallest, brother...
You are a bona fide hero, and we will always give support.
You are the poet for the people if you get punished for nothing.
Walk tall and taller... God Almighty will help."

Meshack Madibeng
South Africa
"Mzwakhe is very innocent, and we all--including the authorities--know that.
Thabo Mbeki, please reconsider the justice system under your leadership.
The world is watching us.
RELEASE OUR HERO....HE IS INNOCENT!"

Basil Petesen
South Africa

Albert Mahlangu
"Free Mzwakhe, our hero."

Jennifer Milligan

Vusimuzi B. Ndlovu
Zimbabwe
"Free Mzwakhe so he will be free at last.
VIVA MZWAKHE!"

Nobuntu Ndlovu
"Have you ever seen an honest man being charged
for a crime he did not commit?
I witnessed that with Mzwakhe's UNFAIR trial.
Please free an innocent man."

Andy Lee
Oakland, California, USA

Bobbie Ann Rekis
"Let us not forget those who are imprisoned
while the rest of us are 'free.'"

Muzie Ndlovu
"I would like to say free Mzwakhe and let him continue his career."

Janie Woodward
"Don't give up. Your supporters are out there."

Anneke Stoehl
"I live in Europe, and I hadn't heard of Mzwakhe Mbuli before.
But when I read this, I'm certain he must get his freedom back!"

Michael Thomas
"The spear has fallen. PICK IT UP!"

Dr. Ishmael Doku
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Daniel Knoepfel
"FREEDOM!"

Francki Mallet
France
"I have known and appreciate Mzwakhe Mbuli since the darkest days of apartheid.
I am shocked to read that he has been framed by the police. In France,
no publicity has been made about this felony, but with God's will we'll change that.
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!"

James Bennett
Scotland
"They took your freedom.
They cannot take your music.
God be with you in your continuing struggle."

Mogashoa Isaac
"Free Mzwakhe!"

Elijah Mokome
"His contributions to South Africa far outweigh what they allege
to be convicting him of. Please release him.
He does not deserve to be where he is."

Khutisa Ramatlou
"Release the poor innocent man."

Patrick Kamera
Toronto, Canada
"I hope justice prevails for Mzwakhe Mbuli, the people's poet."

Bikwaphi Memory Dlamini
South Africa
"Bekezela qhawe kuzolunga. God is with you all the time."

Laura W.

Phelandaba wa Sekgale
"Dear Comrade, for my own part, I wish you all the success
in your fight for justice and fair play in our beleaguered society."

Ashley Nyambi
Germiston, South Africa
"Mzwakhe Mbuli is my best poet, and I think he is mistakably sentenced,
because a person of his caliber would not do a stupid thing like robbing a bank
for a mere fifteen thousand rand. FREE MZWAKHE!"

George Lerato Mosiuoa
"God will take care of you and your family.
May peace be with you all the time.
May the fear of God make you wiser."

Ryan Patrick Donohue (age 16)
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
"I, along with others make the plea for Mzwakhe Mbuli's freedom.
You are holding a man who has only spoken out against
some of the policies that his government implements.
Please see the light and free this innocent man.
I thank you."

Mbangwa Leon
"Mzwakhe is innocent, and the truth shall come.
Please, God, let it be soon!"

Tebogo Mametja
Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
"I believe in Mzwakhe's innocence and appeal to the authorities
to do justice to justice. Why pardon murderers who fought steadfastly to oppress
and subjugate the vast majority of the people of this country and incarcerate a hero
who fought for the majority's freedom. Why?"

Ambrocious
"As it has already been said that South Africa is the government of national unity,
let us all unite and have a hope that God will help Mzwakhe and his family to believe
in him and keep on praying so that he will be free, as he is innocent.
Mzwakhe, I will always put you in my prayers."

Daniel Dlamini
South Africa
"Aluta Continua!
Forward with the struggle to free 'Die Lang Man.'"

Thom
UK
"Break out, man!"

Patrick Mulala Dugada
Thohooyandou, University of Venda, South Africa
"Let the truth set us free.
Justice must prevail regardless of who the person is!
Just like any freedom fighter, Mzwakhe should be treated likewise."

Martin Sekokotla
South Africa
"Let justice be done. Release the guy to proceed with his purpose of being
in this world-- to be a poet/a role model for our young people.
Give a guy a break."

Bridget Mashika
"God is the way and the truth. Believe in him and you shall be set free.
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE."

Thapelo Reuben Mainole
Holland, Europe
"Happy Christmas to you 'The Great'!
We will soon see those tall legs dancing to the African rhythm."

Madimetja
South Africa
"You remain a hero, a freedom fighter, and a committed fighter against injustice.
The masses of our people are with you, Comrade Mzwakhe!
The truth shall set you free!!!"

Yussef
"You have the right to make your stand with honor & dignity.
One Love--and stay human."

Milton Mzwakhe Dile
Pretoria, South Africa
"You shall overcome. The truth will come out."

Lilly Kgotle
South Africa
"I strongly believe Mzwakhe is innocent and must be freed.
Shame on the South African Justice system."

Stella N.
China
"Mzwakhe Mbuli must be freed.
This world can be so unfair sometimes."

Pastor L.C. Hlongwane
"I am convinced Mzwakhe Mbuli is innocent
of this crime that they say he committed.
Please check out the truth."

Thamsanqa Morgan Hlongwane
"Please release this innocent man of God.
The time is now!
We shall not stop praying that he is let free!"

Matt Williamson
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
"It is 1-24-01 and I have just now found out about the injustice
committed against you. I support human rights.
How can you remain so strong in your views
that all of humanity will someday accept these rights?"

Aldo Zappacosta
Canada
"True hearts cannot be silenced."

The Honorable Sabina Gibson
United Kingdom
"I wish with my whole heart to support the Campaign to free Mzwakhe Mbuli from prison.
It is intolerable that in the New South Africa a man like Mzwakhe--a poet, writer and singer
is in prison wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit.
We have to ask ourselves why.
Who gains from an upright, honorable and gifted man--a man of truth--
being incarcerated, given a sentence of 13 years.
The whole country is shamed by this.
Please get the judicial process going, and FREE THIS MAN."

Renate Schwartz
South Africa
"I can only support this view (stated above) and the sentiments herein..."

C.J. Thobejane
"As one of Mzwakhe's fans, I feel sorry and disappointed, although it's not his fault.
I am saying that one day, all this is going to be all right..."

Melton
Botswana

Zama A. Mvulane
Cape Town, South Africa
"It is a great tragedy for the great majority of South Africans
who are still chained by these injustices in our country, also to have the
death of the people's voice..."

Arlene Kujane
Netherlands, Europe

Remani Sydney
"Mzwakhe, I know that you are innocent and believe that
li do swika duvha la mbofholowo. Your day for freedom will come."

Thembinkosi Nopapaza
"Mzwakhe Mbuli will remain a man of great caliber no matter what!!!
I'm sure with your vitality and versatility, you will stand up against them,
as they are roaming around like roaring lions looking to devastate you
and leave you desolate. One day the truth will come."

Gloria Wiggins
"The Lord, Allah, has an answer to every problem of life.
And He cares."

Quentin Ginsburg
United Kingdom
"Who God bless, let no man curse."

Melton
Botswana

Fritz Jesse
La Planchette, Montfort, France

Andy Kaliyati
"Ma kakhululwe uMzwakhe omhle.
Phansi ngokuncidnezela o ka Mbuli."

Anja Weinhold
Germany
"Let him free!"

Marisa Chipman
"Mzwakhe Mbuli has greatly amazed me.
His writing and such has made me sit here and almost cry.
A champion in every way is he!"

Nicholas Williams

Ngoako Asah Mokumo
"We want to see you out of prison because we support you,
and we believe you are not guilty and therefore innocent.
Long live the fighting spirit of MZWAKHE MBULI!!"

Rammala Thabo
"I believe you are innocent, and I hope to see you out soon.
In the meantime, behave yourself well in prison.
See you soon -- out!!"

Mandlakayise Sam Mahlangu
"Now is the time to unchain the minds.
Now is the time to unchain the hearts.
Images of a new dream, images of a new society should emerge.
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!"

Paseka
South Africa
"Let Mzwakhe free!!!"

Judith Seeley
I would like to add my name to the list
of those who want to see Mzwakhe Mbuli freed.
I am appalled at his arrest and the hideous conditions of his detention."

Nicholas Chegoane Africa Mabelane
Marulaneng Ga Sekhukhune
"Why freedom fighters?
Now is the time to express my intelligence.
We know that the PEOPLE`S POET is innocent.... but he is in jail.
Let us not give up to fight for him, because these perpetrators will be highly jubilant.
Mzwakhe, remember that all African intellectuals are always there for you.
I won't give up. We won't give up..."

Dorothy Mabutla
"PLEASE, GIVE HIM FREEDOM.
HE IS INNOCENT."

Mohlabakgomo Mojapelo
"Mzwakhe is totally not guilty.
It is a political suppression by our own
black brothers and sisters in the government."

J.P. Bonneville

Lindani Msomi
"Mzwakhe, you have been my role model all these years,
and you are still, even behind bars.
Believe me, if the law of South Africa were still white,
there would never be justice.
May God strengthen your trust in Him."

Brenda Carr

Gina Markou
"You people deserve better."

Rick Jones
London, U.K. (formerly from South Africa)
"I would like to air my views about what happen to Mr. Mbuli.
The thing is, as long as black people of South Africa--
including the Goverment--do not consider the human as equal,
then black people of South Africa will remain in bondage.
Thank God that I left the country a long time ago. (Note: I am black.)
To Mr. Mbuli I say: 'Long life, brother.
Do not give up hope. One day you will be free."

Mbulelo Tundzi
Durban, South Africa
"Evil triumph is weaker than right defeated.
True sons of Africa are true sons of God and will never be betrayed."

Brian
South Africa
"Mz, I'm behind you. Keep up the good work.
Remember S'khathele Khoza's song, 'uMzwakhe Uzobuya?'
That's my message for you.
Viva Amanga (don't confuse Amanga with Amandla)!!
With Love from DJ BRIAN."

Vangile Ngwenya
Gauteng, South Africa
"FREE Mzwakhe!"

Kgafela
Montreal, Canada

Dennis Jacky Mphela
Botswana, Gaborone

Kiraly Andras
Hungary
"... all we are saying...!"

Jill Staveley
Peterborough,Ontario, Canada
I do not know what to say.
I do not understand our world sometimes. It is very sad.
FREE MZWAKHE!"

Zsolt Prieger
Hungary

Edmund Ndebele
London, U.K.
"I feel aggrieved by the treatment the people's poet has received
at the hands of the justice system. I would urge the authorities
to look into this case as a matter of urgency.
To Mzwakhe I say, take heart, brother. Be strong. Love and respect...."

Remi Warner
Canada
"Such injustice can only add fuel to the coming fire!"

Gabby
South Africa
"Justice must prevail!!"

Christian J. Minaya
Hollywood, Florida, USA

Atanas Chiwaya
Texas, USA (Zimbabwean by birth)
"iNkosi izakhuba lawe, mfowethu, ungaethukhi.
There is power in prayer. uMzwakhe ubonga uJehova.
I have never met Mzwakhe physically, but I have met him in his music.
It pains me to realize that he now languishes in prison
for crimes and offenses we all know that he never committed.
Even the highly learned judges who presided over his trial
also know that the people's poet is as innocent as a newborn child.
FREE, FREE, FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
What is Thabo Mbeki and his government doing, letting such gross injustice prevail?
How long shall they kill our prophets, while we stand aside and look?
In spirit, we are together as one. Long live Mzwakhe, down with injustice!
May almighty God guide and direct you, now and forever. God, take care of him."

Richard Mavuso
Germiston, South Africa
"The man is innocent. Let's not fail our justice system."

Niquita Meyers
Australia

Sibongile Gwente
"Be patient, Mr. Mbuli... The time will come for you to be free.
There is one thing I like about you: it's the spirit that you have.
Now that you are jailed, the government has forgotten about you.
They forgot about your contribution to the struggle, putting your life into risk.
Don't worry, Bra, we will always be behind you. We are missing your voice!"

Tafara Matekaire
Cuba, originally from Zimbabwe
"Let the people speak and their voices be heard.
Mbuli is not only a figure for South Africa but for Africa as well.
He is a symbol of a new and free Africa.
Before anything else, just think of his family.
Justice must prevail!"

Jeannie Gommoll
Evansville, Indiana, USA

M.J. Molapise
South Africa
"Many have died because there is no justice.
Many are still going to suffer, but the truth will remain forever.
Mzwakhe, your spirit is more powerful than prison itself.
Remember Joseph, John, Stephan they stood by the truth.
Be free -- HE is always with you!"

Sedney S. Shangombe

Shea McClure

Danny Pimentel
Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Sedney S. Shangombe

The Rev. Mautji Pataki
South Africa
"The man has served long enough to be out of jail by now.
May God keep the family together, Nomsa and the children."

Tshireletso Motolgelwa
"we the people of this continent are not new to intimidation
to twisted justice
to warped wisdom
we the people of this place
are not new to imprisonment
to irrational governments
we the people of this continent
know true freedom to us shall come"

Dennis Jacky Mphela
University of Botswana
"Let the innocent be free!"

Tumelo Rantoba
University of Botswana
"Congradulations to Mzwakhe"
(Note: a number of University of Botswana graduates
dedicated their recent graduation to Mzwakhe Mbuli.)

Michael Ngobeni
Tzaneen, Northern Province, South Africa
"I strongly support Mzwakhe's release!
They can't silence him by putting him behind bars.
You are still my hero, Mzwakhe..."

Morakeng Jeffrey Ramoshaba
"It struck me when i first heard that Mzwakhe was arrested
for bank robbery and possession of firearms, after giving it a
thought, I just realized that it was actually a scam.
This is something that should be condemned in South Africa.
Freedom should be planted in all spheres of the government structures.
Right now, it is not enough.
For the fact that Mzwakhe did not keep secret about the police's
discriminating actions, so he deserves to be convicted for -- NOTHING?
Forward with the unbroken spirit, forward!
Mzwakhe, wherever you are, please know that Jeffrey, his wife Annah
and son Thato in Phalaborwa love you very much and promise you that
sooner or later you'll be free, and we'll see you again.
MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS YOU, THE ONLY UNBIASED MIGHTY!"

Zima
South Africa
"FREE HIM!"

Ann Goldman
New Hampshire, USA
"Please free Mzwakhe Mbuli!"

Daniel Zulu
"Only God knows that you are absolutely innocent.
Those involved will be held responsible
in front of His eyes one of these days."

Gezlar Mdaka
Hlanganaan, Nkuzana (NP) South Africa
"The innocent Mzwakhe must be free!
I strongly believe in our freedom fighter.
Bank robbery and Mzwakhe do not have a mixture,
but truth and Mzwakhe have a strong mixture!
Let the dynamite of freedom be free
from the police of the apartheid regime.
VIVA the release of the People's Poet, VIVA!"

Mandla Zulu
"Why an innocent man is kept behind bars?
Is it because of I.K or T.S or J.D.--
or is because of his status?
The truth shall come out one day.
As we use to say during the struggle:
the people shall govern! Mzwakhe, you are not alone; we are with you!
Those who are behind this are going to be exposed,
and they will face the nation.
They are not bigger than God, the Creator of humankind!
They might have money and the law on their side,
but justice will prevail.
SISONKE QABANE!
LONG LIVE MZWAKHE!
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES!"

Marathodi Semenyam
Pretoria, South Africa

Simon Mampana
"I never saw such cruelty done by our government--
to be ignorant on Mzwakhe's problem.
They are now on the gravy train.
They forget about the struggle because they have the big cake.
They have their way and forget about the past.
Why are such things possible?
You will remain our poet. This was conspiracy!
Are you worse than the apartheid machinery?
It is a shame. Only God knows.
Keep well, brother!"

Viveca Motsieloa
Stockholm, Sweden

Simon Mkina
journalist from Tanzania
"Please Thabo Mbeki, you are a good friend, a father.
Free innocent Mzwakhe Mbuli!
I know the government is trying to hide what Mzwakhe has said
and is trying to suppress his speaking out.
Mzwakhe Mbuli is a hero of our time.
If you don't use your power to act
freeing him, the world will be cold.
When the truth comes out about him being innocent
before you act, you will be cold.
Time will tell that Mzwakhe was innocent.
Mzwakhe is a great man, like Shakespeare."

Caesar Xulu
"Mpangeni!
It is sad to imprison such a talented guy like Mzwakhe.
When shall we be able to see the law and the police
doing their job in an outstanding way?
Are the laws in South Africa made
for the black intelligent people like Mzwakhe?
If not, why don't they release him? We need him!
The ANC must fight for the release of their comrade,
and I say the ANC must do something.
When there was a struggle, Mbuli made
a good contribution in favor of the ANC.
The ANC must not claim that
they are not involved in the criminal cases.
They know that Mzwakhe is not guilty.
Maybe they fear losing their position as leaders
in government, but Mzwakhe was there in times of struggle.
Why shouldn't we tell Mbeki to free our hero Mzwakhe?
It is the time.
We want Mzwakhe back!!!
The struggle for Mzwakhe must continue."

Praise Sibuyi
University of Zululand, South Africa
"No more persecution of the artists who speaks reality!
I need to say that Mzwakhe must be released because he is innocent.
Let him feed us with his music.
I will send you my poem that I wrote about my favorite artist.
Mzwakhe must be released.
I have just discovered this site through Yahoo search.
I am very amazed when I go through the website,
especially to learn about his treatment.
I am very shocked.
I am lacking information about what is happening
about this gifted artist with his heavy words: Words of Wisdom.
Let the man be given an opportunity to speak for himself.
Why his arrest?
VIVA MBULI VIVA"

Geza Nadudvari
Hungary / Central Europe

Nhlanhla Cebekhulu
"Mzwakhe, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Don't give up hope, many South Africans are behind you!
Today we are robbed--
of your inspirational thoughts and creativity.
Iyeza nakubo imini."

Alfredo J. Quintana S.
Panamá, Republic Of Panamá

Clare Nichols
Portsmouth, England

Ramotlhaedi Mashishi
"The people shall govern!"

Cecelia Jackson
"Who are the heroes, and who are the terrorists?"

Elvis Moyo
"We have lost touch to the African beat and rhythm
because this man has been imprisoned.
Through his courageous music, he has played a major role
in supporting the politicians to take their legacy.
He is the man that I wanted to see when I departed
from Northern province to Gauteng.
May the mighty God be with him!!"

Kiana Marshell Green

Lilly Hylton
"Let him free!"

Kgalake
Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
"It is obvious that the arresting of Mzwakhe is a
retaliation in style by the white police and black coconuts.
We--the true Africans condemn the silence
of the ANC-led government on this issue.
It is just a matter of time that we the youth
shall march to form a Release Mzwakhe campaign.
He is not criminal--yet he is being punished like a criminal.
If he was a criminal, he would have got bail like murderers,
rapists, thieves, etc. do get.
Please--somebody powerful must intervene!"

Xolani Mbutho
South Africa
"I have learnt to know Mzwakhe as a truly dedicated comrade
who made sacrifices for the people of South Africa.
It is disturbing that the very same people
he helped through his poetry to be released
and who now run the country are quiet today
and have not shown interest in this matter.
Mzwakhe is an undisputed champion of the liberation struggle,
and his character and history makes one wonder how on earth
could people think he can commit such a silly crime.
Mass Action is needed throughout the world
with a strong emphasis in South Africa.
We love you, Mzwakhe!
We know what you did for us, and we are proud of you."

Nchaupe Alfred Maepa
South Africa
" I have no doubt in my mind that
the imprisonment of the 'People's Poet'
is a cover-up campaign by those in the wrong.
RELEASE MBULI NOW!"

Happy Royce Tsobane
" To Mzwakhe Mbuli - Your incarceration shows us
that as Black people we are not yet in power,
because those who hate the truth made it a point
that you are sent away to keep you quiet.
To The Government - Let True Justice Prevail!
PLEASE RELEASE MZWAKHE BECAUSE
YOU KNOW HE IS NOT GUILTY OF ANY CRIME.
AMANDLA!"

Chimane Moepi
South Africa
"It is very sad that comrade Mzwakhe can be turned into
a 'thief' while he has everything he fought for.
This is just to show that he has been framed,and some of our
comrades for selfish reasons have promoted his arrest.
I am a firm member of the African National Congress [ANC],
and I am very disappointed in my organisation
for not speaking out loudly about this kind of treatment."

Peter Msiza
Pretoria, South Africa
"I maintain that Mzwakhe Mbuli was planted
and wrongfully convicted by the South African authorities.
There is clearly something wrong with our criminal justice system.
The fact that four of the nine white men (rugby players)who were
accused of killing a black teenager, Tshepo Matloha, in Pietersburg
and dumping his body in a dam about 200 kilometers away from the
crime scene were recently granted bail in the Pretoria High Court
bears testimony to the long held belief that there are two sets
of rules--one for blacks and one for whites--in South Africa.
The 'People's Poet' was constantly denied bail--yet no one
was killed in the crime that it is alleged he committed!
We hope the Minister of Justice and the government
will do something about this before it is too late."

Tshepang Patrick Senne
South Africa
"Let them unconditionally release the People's Poet.
Politicians must remember what Mzwakhe has done for this Country!"

Thamsanqa Ndimande
Soweto, South Africa
"They've made you a lamb of sacrifice--
however, their bellies will shrink one day,
and your soul will be enriched with wisdom.
You are not alone."

Paëna Galane
"It has always been our belief as students
that the truth will one day be out about Mzwakhe.
It was reported before that Winnie Madikizela Mandela and
Jessie Duarte knew something regarding Mzwakhe's information
on drugs and people responsible for attempting to take his life.
Why was Duarte removed from her portfolio?
And why is Winnie is not talking?"

Lebogang Kgoro
South Africa
"Free the son of Africa, for he is innocent!"

Sfiso
"For how long is he going to suffer?
He's been exiled for quite a long time.
I think now it's the time to stand up
as South Africans to help him out.
MZWAKHE MUST BE FREE!
ALUTTA CONTINUA!"

Kingsley Maribeng
South Africa
(following Allan Boesak's release)
"I will be happy and relieved if
if Mzwakhe is released like other 'VIP' people.
What is the difference between Mzwakhe and Boesak?
Mzwakhe is SOUTH AFRICAN who fought for peace today!
I'm in full support of him."

Gavin Timbiko Mlambo
South Africa
"Like the APLA forces the Mbeki government keeps in jail,
let your spirit not be broken.
One day you will be free to free Azania from the evil forces.
We need you.
Don't despair--our prayers are with you.
The ancestors are noticing what's happening.
They will get their punishment.
NOT YET UHURU
VIVA MA-AFRICA, VIVA MZWAKHE!"

Netshidzati Ashley
South Africa
"After I read all and follow all that has happened,
I really believe that Mzwakhe has been framed.
The person who is behind this must be found.
I really find it funny to see the government we chose
doing nothing about this case.
If there is not enough evidence,
what is it that keeps him in jail?
Justice must be done, and I believe that
they are violating Mzwakhe's rights."

Gilbert Batlhalefi Matlapeng
"Let us try our utmost best to set Mzwakhe free."

Bonginkosi Hlathe
South Africa
"Free the voice of Africa, for mothers and children are quiet.
Free the light of Africa, for the land is dark.
Free the rain cloud, for there is drought.
Free Mzwakhe for his duty stand at large for the nation.
Don't belate him, for he has to report for duty."

A.E. Patitu
South Africa
"I pray for his release.
God bless his family, and give them the strength
and the courage to endure through the difficulties."

Empress Cleopatra
"Mr. Mbuli, keep the faith because JAH is on your side,
and he will render justice unto you. One Love!"

Mzwakhe Mbatha
"Allow me to make a passionate plea to the powers that be.
Enough is enough!
Release Mzwakhe now and not later.
His innocence shall become your guilt when the truth is revealed."

Siphiwe Mathabela
KwaThema, Springs, South Africa

Mfundo Magcakini
Port Elizabeth Technikon, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
"Its not a question of condoning criminal acts.
We as South Africans have got so many more questions than answers
about the arrest of Ntate Mzwakhe Mbuli.
Who is going to answer those questions?
For how long a man who fought like other patriots
is going to stay behind the bars due to an unholy justice system?
We have recently seen people like Mr. Boesak
being given parole despite committing serious crime.
Who is manipulating the justice system--and for what good reason?
Then what about Mbuli?
Why his family and his fellow South Africans are crying for him?
To you, Mbuli: you must know that you are still our hero--
not only in politics but also in the entertainment industry.
Modimo a hlogonofatse, Ntate."

Teboho Ishmael Manchu
South Africa
"You are still my living legend and guru in poetry.
Please hang in there!
That you are in prison is a miscarriage of justice.
But you are not alone. Be strong.
The struggle for your release will never be abandoned by those who
love you and share the pain of your unjust incarceration.
The day shall dawn, and this unfortunate experience
shall belong to the dustbin of history."

Gilbert Batlhalefi Matlapeng
South Africa
"Let us try our utmost best to set Mzwakhe free!"

P.S. (Lekokotla) Maponya
Turfloop, South Africa
"Any right-thinking person in South Africa will know that Mzwakhe Mbuli
is not the type of person who could hurt a fly, let alone carry a hand grenade.
Pity we are so gullible and fail to distinguish between fact and fiction..."

Mpho Mantjiu Smart

Fahari People
"Free Mzwakhe Mbuli!"

Kevin
"They laugh because we are different.
We laugh because they are all the same.
The revolution will be televised!!!!"

Sydney Mahlangu
"I think it will be good for the whole republic
if they can release the hero!"

Davhana
Pretoria,South Africa
"Mzwakhe will walk the streets of Soweto again. Aluta continua..."

Mduduzi Phiri
Durban, South Africa
"We really miss the people's poet.
Boesak is out--and why is our hero inside?
Africa is weeping."

Beauty
"Release Mzwakhe now!"

Lloyd Dlamini
"As a South African, I have a positive mind of the People's Poet.
We have never yet experienced any change when it comes to justice.
Our world is still not doing what they call 'justice.'
I can just refer you to what has just happened in Northern Province--
Thsepo was killed by whites. Where are they now?
They are relaxing at their place, because they are the ones treated as kings.
When are we going to have peace, love and understanding?
This man is innocent, for heaven's sake!
Think of his children and wife--they need him like anyone needs to be with his dad.
Let's live what we said. We can.
The Bible says, 'My people are dying because of lack of knowledge.'
Why do we die while we have knowledge?"

Mbongeni Hlophe
South Africa

Kutupu
Auckland Park, South Africa

Simon Dithebe
Uniwest, South Africa
"I love you, Mbuli, even if you are absent.
I will never underestimate your power."

Neshera Tingling
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
"The truth will always find its resistance. We are so blind.
Our world is so unaware, so lost---we are scared to hear the truth.
Is it because it shows us how we have messed up,
and how far away from the truth we actually live?
They can cage Mbuli's body, but they cannot cage his mind.
They cannot cage the energy he sends to us and we use to awaken ourselves.
The vibe never dies; the truth never dies.
We must take the flame of truth and spread it, cultivate it in ourselves.
They cannot cage or imprison all of us around the world.
We keep the truth going, the fight going.
That is how we keep Mzwakhe alive and free.
They cannot encage my mind nor his where we cultivate freedom and liberation.
They cannot encage our hearts nor his where we cultivate peace and love.
They cannot encage our souls nor his where we tap into the truth.
They can only encage us if we allow them.
Give our minds, hearts, souls to them--
allow them to blind us from the truth. Keep it alive.
Love to Mbuli and everyone who had time to read this message. We are he."

Cedric Maluleke
South Africa
"We as young South Africans, we want Mzwakhe to be released now!"

Travis Emery
Liberty, New York, USA

Monwabisi Siwa
South Africa
"How many of them must suffer from these bad, inhumane
and unGodly practices that the so-called 'owners' of this country
are engaged in? Why must our leaders be robbed of their right
of enjoying being with their loved? Is this really the repetition
of history--what the old regime used to administer when
sidelining the gifted leaders and potential leaders?
To the hero of the nation I say:
WE LOVE YOU, AND WE WILL SUPPORT YOU FOREVER.
BE A MAN, AS YOU ARE! LOTS OF LOVE...."

Iván Santiesteban
Monterrey, Mexico

Teduntsho Ben Tsotetsi
South Africa
"Criminals of this country are not those behind the bars,
but those who have the powers to condemn/eliminate the heroes of the people.
AFRICA SHALL KNOW NO PEACE UNTIL WE IN THE SOUTH ARE FREE!"

Dan Campbell
Ontario, Canada

Zola Wababa
South Africa
"Mr. Maduna and the company: let the people's philosopher come out!
The intestines or the stomach of prison cells have no capacity
to carry such a genuine material as Mzwakhe is made out of.
Let the people's poet--who was and is still suffering
from a vision problem--join the producers of knowledge.
Release our spiritual, flesh and blood doctor to heal the world."

Pulane
Cape Town, Somerset West, South Africa

Assa Paul Moabi
South Africa
"First, I am sorry that it is only now that I got your website.
Brother, I do not know where to start!
Your situation hurts so much that one can not describe it.
Nevertheless, brother, I and lots of our people know and believe
that you are coming out of that place very soon.
That is our will and our promise.
The President can no longer ignore your case any more.
I do not have a position of influence,
but just like we did during dark days of apartheid,
I will do my bit to assure your immediate freedom.
In the meantime, be strong for yourself, your family and for us all.
We are with you all the way.
Justice has failed, but the truth will overcome.
Lastly, remember, the entrance is also the exit.
Those who closed the door will have to open it!
I love you. 'Bye for now..."

Luis Cupenale
Soweto, South Africa
"Sihlobo, the Soweto people, especially sports, aerobics groups
and community groups that you have forever supported will always
support you and have you in their prayers for a speedy release.
You are still our idol, and your contribution in the struggle,
your messages of courage,
and all that you have been and done,
I hope will also keep you in high spirits.
We hope very soon
the justice system will release you, and you will continue from
where you left off! Now you are fighting a battle for justice.
You have done it with the struggle for freedom,
and so we believe you will do it on this one, too.
We support every endeavor for your freedom,
and we just want you to be strong for us
and for yourself. Fight with us. Hey! we do miss you!
Keep the positive fire you have always had as our poet.
Keep the spirit of fighting. You have the world on your shoulders.
Keep on being strong, you are the light that will never lose its spark to us.
Soon and very soon--we pray that you are released.
Free Mzwakhe--society needs him and always has needed him.
FREE OUR POET!"

M.F. Mbhele, South Africa
"We all miss you, man. We all miss you..."

Fanie Mbhele
Vaal Triangle Technikon
This life and its ways, this life and its mysteries,
they can break a man, but I know that you are strong
enough to cope with such situations.
You were taught to fight, you were taught to win.
You were taught to be the best 'you' that you can be.
You have to wear different faces in order to be heard.
We will fight till you are free!"

Rinnie Chuma
"Mzwakhe you are a rare human species made of steel,
and that is why you are in jail.
They had no choice but to detain you,
but as always, you shine like gold in fire.
I've always believed in your innocence.
Your release is long overdue.
Come home, PRINCE of the hearts.
We miss you and will always pray for you."

Sipho
KwaThema, South Africa
"What is painful for you, it's so for me, too."

Mafokwana Matome Hendrick
South Africa
"I hope and trust that Mzwakhe is innocent."

Tseko
South Africa
"Release him!"

Gordon Mlombo
South Africa
"Like all ordinary South Africans that followed the history
and the contribution of our comrade in our liberation struggle,
I question the logic of the allegation for the need of
Comrade Mzwakhe to rob a bank for R15000.00
whereas every word he uttered could earn him dollars.
I appeal to President Mbeki to set Mzwakhe free."

Percy
University of Durban, Westville
No matter how long, the day will come
when the truth will come, the truth will be told.
Qina ndoda yama doda."

Mandla Mnisi
South Africa
"FREE MZWAKHE NOW!!
Souls have turn to be evil in the way that they even prefer to imprison
the innocent man and free the so-called antiblack indigenous South African
and/or give them lenient sentences, i.e. Terreblanche, Styne and many others.
Mzwakhe is the inspiration to many young and old AZANIANS.
The justice was unfair and was meant to silence the innocent man: MZWAKHE.
BE HUMAN ENOUGH, AND FREE MZWAKHE NOW!"

Busi Hlongwane
South Africa
"He is innocent.
No one can ever tell the pain and torture
this has done to his family.
Free him. Please don't kill him."

Mamolamo wa Mokgalaka
South Africa
"Some of us will always be there for you.
We will keep on giving you the moral support with the hope that
one day the truth will come out, and you will be free.
May God be with you and your family during these difficult times."

Molatala Mathikithela, 2nd year journalism student
Technikon Northern Gauteng, Pretoria, South Africa
"I empathize with you, the people's poet.
It is a pity the judicial system of this country
is still dominated by extreme conservatives
who endeavor to discredit you for the role played
in order to get this country liberated, united and democratized.
It is a pity both the ANC and Mbeki turn blind eyes
to the injustices, cruelty and persecution that you going through.
Mzwakhe, I will support you through thick and thin.
And remember, 'Tough times never last, but tough People do.'
YOU'LL BE FREE!"

Zenzo Mcube

Ntla Matlala
Pretoria, South Africa
"I believe that substantial justice has not been applied,
so far as justice is concerned..."

Mokgadi Mathekga
"MESSAGE OF HOPE TO MZWAKHE: Please, God, teach me to accept
things that I cannot change,
and give me power to change those I can change.
WORDS OF FAITH: Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory
that will be revealed in us, for in this hope we are saved. --Romans 8:18 & 24
Mzwakhe, you are always in our prayers. You are a hero.
Wherever you are, know that we love you.
Always bear this in mind: 'Help me to remember, Lord, that nothing
is going to happen that You and I can't handle together.'
We are also praying for those in government, that they show us
the fruits of this democracy which you also fought for.
We also pray for your family so that they don't lose courage. God bless."

Mpho Lydia Sithole
Blomfontein, South Africa
"I would like to request our President to take action.
Justice must be done.
Even you, Mr. Mandela, can also assist in releasing Mbuli.
Mzwakhe is really innocent."

uNathi Sowazi
South Africa

Lionel Makgamatho
South Africa
"I fail to understand why the magistrate won't release The Peoples Poet.
How will he live in pain, through the suffering?
What I know is, Mzwakhe is innocent.
Therefore I plea to the magistrate to release him.
What I see is the court of law doesn't have any proof.
Please the question needs to be answered by the court of law....
Qhawe Lama-Qhawe siyaku-khumbula Hala-Halala Mzwakhe Mbuli,
namuhla usazo phuma... manje mangi-valelisise ngi-the yem-yem.
Kepha Ukulimala kwaMzwakhe Ukulimala kwesizwe."

Langa B. Thobejane
"People commit crimes and get released, some not even detained.
I am of the view that the People's Poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli, should be released."

Silas
South Africa
"Let us leave what happened behind, because yesterday is the past.
Tomorrow is the future. Today is a gift; that is why we call it present.
This is a present to Mzwakhe. Kuzolunga!"

Nomvula Twala
"Hang in there, big brother! You are in our prayers.
Even in my church, not one Church service goes by without those in jail
being mentioned in the prayers. God bless you and your family."

Jared F.

Judith Magoro
South Africa
"I wish you good health and wish you were out of that place.
You do not deserve the penalty so big. With love from Judith..."

Cora Fana
Alexandra, Johannesburg, RSA (Azania)
"I wish you good health. Remain positive, and trust in the Lord.
The Country is behind you.
Those who claim that you are guilty are those who are cowards
and afraid that you'll reveal their dirty deeds.
Peace, love and appreciation..."

Pax Mabunda
Northern Province, South Africa
"Release the innocent Mbuli who is according to me
convicted through political differences."

Lizzy Ndlovu
Northern Province, South Africa
"May the authorities realize that Mzwakhe is innocent!"

Matthews Mothotse
"Mbuli is innocent. PLEASE FREE MBULI!"

Love Child
Johannesburg, South Africa
"We need the People's Poet to back up the strength of the masses."

Lesly
"Keep left--you're the most bad nightmare of the whites.
They are afraid to release you. They know that you did nothing,
but it is a long time that they have been looking for you.
As young intellectuals, we are saying to you
that we shall fight until the future, until they release you.
The struggle is not yet over.
We owe no one an apology for why as youth
we are supporting the campaign to release you.
Even the ANC government can tell us nothing.
You're our role model.
Please, when you come back soon, join the left!"

Mokhethi Motsumi
"Please, President Thabo Mbeki, can justice be done?
Now South Africa is a free country.
Let people who are innocent like Mzwakhe Mbuli be out of jail!
If we fail to release people who belong free, instead of
where they are at the moment, we are still in apartheid.
Please, let justice be done!
Mzwakhe Mbuli according to me is an innocent person.
in our country racism still continues, and it is time to stop it!
You can see the youngest boy, Andrew Babeile -- what's happening?
Please, Tata "Madiba" Mandela, and Thabo Mbeki --
I beg you to release the people's poet!"

Segonye Abednego Mohlamonyane
Ekangala, Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa
"To the honorable President Thabo Mbeki:
can you intervene on the issue of Comrade Mzwakhe Mbuli,
who seems to have been framed unreasonably?
Justice seems controversial in a way that
we can no longer tolerate as the masses.
Mzwakhe is one of the people who contributed a lot
to put South Africa where it is now, and I think he'll
still do that even in the next coming 2001 years.
There were some attempts to assassinate him in 1996.
That matter is unresolved, yet he is behind the bars invalidly.
People who deserve to be where he and Andrew Babeile are, are not there.
This shows without any doubt that racism is still alive in our country.
With this submission, I'm calling for Mzwakhe to be released,
so that people whom deserve to be jailed may have enough space.
The case of the late Tshepo Matloga is still burning.
We want his assassins behindbars, irrespective of their skin color.
Mzwakhe is for us as the nation.
Free Mzwakhe, for his family is missing him--and we as the nation!"

Sam Mokgalapa
"Please do not cover bad men's actions with Mzwakhe's innocence!"

Colin "Senzosihle" Dube
"You are not alone!
Keep your head up, my brother!
May the good Lord bless you and keep you.
May he make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
May he look on you with favor and give you peace."

Peter Judge
London, UK
"Release Mzwakhe!"

Shangombe
South Africa
"You've been a great inspiration--not only to South Africans,
but to the rest of Africa and perhaps the world.
Thus you'll always be in our hearts and therefore on our minds..."

Hatutale Hawala
Namibia, student
"Please free Mzwakhe. He is innocent."

Andrene Taylor
Trenton, NJ, USA
"The struggle continues..."

Clayton Calixtus
South Africa
"I urge the RSA government to quick up the process
and release Africa's poet.
We want Mzwakhe free.
He has the nation to entertain -- or is this the new SA?
Mzwakhe was arrested because of his truth poems.
He was also the one that contributed to independence of South Africa!
These corrupt South African leaders are abusing innocent victims.
Free Mzwakhe, or give him bail so that he can prove his innocence."

Sydney
South Africa
"During the struggle, you contributed a lot to independence.
When the nation could not speak, you were the voice.
Throughout thick and thin, you were there for them.
Mzwakhe, my hero, my poet: nobody can take away your intelligence
because you are vulgar-proof! Nobody can take away your dignity.
You did it for the nation, and you said,
"Africa is not free unless we in the South are free!"
I would like to urge the South African government, the MPs,
political leaders, the President and former President,
ANC and supporters to see that justice is done.
Mzwakhe must be free, with these words:
Amandla, a we do in Africa, Mahibuje!
FREE MBULI"

Thabo Nyaka
"For the truth is yet to come...
May God help and bless him.
Release our People's Poet."

Martin Mantxo
UK
"Free Mzwakhe!
Free Mumia!
Free the MOVE 8!
Free Peltier!"

Hatutale Hawala
Namibia
"You have stood firm in fighting the imperialists.
Today the same people that praised you on your bravery
are imprisoning you only on circumstantial evidence,
which does not prove anything.
Indeed, they have framed you.
We cannot wait to see you free in the streets of KwaZulu/Natal!
Indeed, they will have to free you, whether they like it or not!"

Percy
South Africa

Mohau Nchake
South Africa
"The more we oppress others, the more we oppress ourselves.
We are creating a society of sick spirits and dwarf souls.
Will we ever be able to handle truth?
Wake up, South Africa! You cannot afford to mourn forever..."

Mthunzi
South Africa
"I been listening to Mzwakhe ever since I was born.
He inspired me greatly.
You took the wrong man.
Please let him free.
We love him a lot.
To Mzwakhe, Qina People's Poet Qina Langman.
Remember you said on this new album of yours,
you were born free but find yourself in chains.
You said also that nothing hidden that shall never be revealed.
I stand by you!
Remember that when you throw a stone into the river, you create waves.
I hope you listen to your albums to make you strong.
Your soul and me won't be separated.
Believe me, you will be out.
We'll just keep praying.
Don't give up, sir.
We are behind you.
Qina qabane, qina Mfowethu."

Percy, politics student
University of Durban, Westville, South Africa
"You've been struggling for years,
fighting for freedom in our beloved country.
But now they are turning their backs on you
even though you were fighting for this land.
Anyway, time will come.
Keep on holding and uqine ube yindoda, Baba Mzwakhe.
We won't forget what you have done for our country."

Charles MC de Koker
Pretoria, South Africa

Stuart Borthwick
United Kingdom
"The world is still watching."

Lesson Sebele

Wahabah
USA
"When the earth shakes with her final convulsion,
and the earth yields up her burdens, and the human beings cry out,
'What is the matter with her?' On that day she will declare her tidings:
your Sustainer will have inspired her. On that Day all human beings
will come forward separately to be shown their deeds.
Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good see it!
And anyone who has done an atom's weight of harm shall see that." (Qur'an 99: 2-8)
Those who imprison the truth will in turn be imprisoned by their own deeds.
Do not mistake it--those who imprison this man wrongly will be called to account."

Joey Johnson
Furman University, USA
"I am traveling to South Africa next January
and found out about Mbuli recently.
I hope the hate stops."

Kasey Zorns
Massachusetts, USA

Debbie Bacon
United Kingdom
"Peace."

Jeanette Falkheden
Stockholm, Sweden
"To Mbuli: We are with you, we are behind you.
We keep you in our prayers.
Never give up.
You will be free one day.
To the authorities: PLEASE release this man!
I believe he has been sacrificed to satisfy others in society.
Who is gaining from keeping him from his people?
Who is gaining from disgracing him?
THAT is what you should investigate!
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!!"

Simon Johannes Uirab
Windhoek, Republic of Namibia
"We from Namibia regard Mzwakhe Mbuli as the patriot
freedom fighter who kept the liberation flame alive
during dark days in South Africa through his poetry.
When news of his arrest reached the African continent, we were shocked.
Therefore we support release of the freedom fighter, who is innocent."

Thabani Maphosa
Zimbabwe
"Mthwakazi omuhle ngaliyazizwa izigi, konekele eAzania,
ilizwe linyenyelwa ngoguluva abangazi ukwahlula,
icase kaMzwakhe ibingafuni emotion, kodwa
the appeal will have to take that road.
We in Zimbabwe are right behind this gallant son,
the maverick and poet of the people, Mzwakhe!!!"

Joseph Molapong
"A spear that is broken pierces more savagely
than a spear that is well taken care of.
A spirit that is kept against justice will never be tamed to be guilty.
A nation that blinds itself will never see the truth.
A man that is wounded will never be free from pain.
RELEASE THE TALL MAN.
We want to see into the distance, above the human hatred and sabotage."

Rinnie Chuma
"Release Mbuli now.
His children need him.
He did not commit any crime.
Remember, South Africa, the whole world is watching you.
Mr. president, swallow your pride and release Mzwakhe.
Half of your Parliament staff are criminals
who enjoy the benefits of law-abiding citizens
of South Africa like Mr. Mbuli. He deserves better than this."

Snoobie

Silemoyo
Montreal, Canada
"I know you are innocent.
One day you will be free.
You suffer for the truth.
GOD will take care of you."

Simon Johannes Uirab
Namibia
"This is in support of the release
of one of the brilliant sons of the African Continent, Mzwakhe Mbuli.
The man who tirelessly entertained the African crowds
at political rallies and marches.
He was one of the people to whom we looked up,
together with other heroes.
I am appealing to the Government of South Africa and especially
former President Nelson Mandela whom he praised as the Stalwart
to intervene for the release of Mzwakhe.
Why must one be born free but always in chains?
Forward with the demand for the release of the hero!
We in the Southern part of Africa are equally demanding that the doors of
Pretoria Maximum Security Prison be opened
so that he can walk out as a free and innocent man
and taste the fruit of the democratic South Africa he was fighting for.
Viva Mzwakhe Mbuli, the stalwart, the federate, the hero of our struggle!"

Richard J. Maseko
South Africa
"Why don't you give the man a retrial, Thabo?
I'd do the same for you.
If he is guilty, you can have him.
If he isn't, set him FREE.
C'mon, Thabo, you know he didn't do it.
Release the man. C'mon..."

Shubi
South Africa
"In South Africa, the truth will never set you free.
All that can set you free is, "in whose hands is it on?"
God be with you!!!"

Mike
Wits
"I really think the government must consider giving us our poet back.
He doesn't deserve to be "All alone in solitary confinement,
in solitary confusion, in solitary conversation..."
WE NEED HIM OUT."

Charlotte Andréason
Malmö, Sweden
"The story about Mzwakhe Mbuli moved me very much.
I hope he gets justice."

Christiane Beumer
Köln, German Exile
"Amandla Awetu!
Justice, Love and Peace for the beloved People of Azania!"

Timnit Abraha

Richie Thomason
"Free Mzwakhe, you bastards!"

Ernest Makonti Moikangoa
South Africa
"Nothing beats the truth,
and the world is crying for the release of Mbuli.
He doesn't deserve to be in prison.
We will know the truth sooner or later,
not forgetting that Mzwakhe cannot be destroyed by a man-made design,
i.e. judges who miscarry justice in the democratic South Africa.
"Free the people's poet! Free!"

Nonanhla Biyela
South Africa
"I strongly believe that the guy is innocent,
and he deserves to be free and continue
healing the nation with his poetry!
You've always been my inspiration.
Long Live Mbongi Yesizwe!!"

Malebati Molope wa ga Molepo
South Africa
"Hurting a role model is equivalent to destroying the nation's success.
I am hungry for Mbuli's poems and exhausted from privatization application.
Mzwakhe does not belong to suicide territories in our motherland.
My patience grows with time,
and my love for the people's poet is stable at its peak.
For as long as I live,Mbuli will be with at least one supporter blessed.
Direto tsha gago di mpushetsha ngwageng woo go ngala dithuto e bego ele
tharollo, ke sa gopole gore lenaba le thabela se o...
I can't stop preaching the Gospel you preached before they reacted.
They are so few to terrorise the majority!
They gave us a chance to taste the palatable meal of reality,
and now they are cursing at their own failures.
Live to be closer to you..."

Gosebo Mathule-Mathope
Cape Town, South Africa

Anita Makapela
South Africa

Chris Chestnut
Florida, USA

Ramosotho Mokgadi

Brian Zelip
"FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
Saying it loud from Toledo, Ohio, USA!"

Thabo Sekano
Freudenberg, Germany

Kgomotso
Rhodes University, South Africa
"When days are dark, friends are few... (by the man himself, Mr. Mbuli)"

Henri Marolen
Washington, DC, USA

Chuck Jordanrios

Tinashe Mushayavanhu
"The truth shall prevail.
Azania shall prevail.
God bless Africa, Amen."

Sven Bredvei
Oslo, Norway
"I hope that you will be released."

Disang wa Mocumi
Student, University of Cape Town South Africa
"I strongly believe Mzwakhe is innocent.
As a freedom fighter he deserves fair treatment.
He is a role model and a national icon."

Oupa Mamabolo
Dorandia, South Africa
"It is painstaking to imagine Mzwakhe in the dark cell.
However, the Bible says, 'Many are the afflictions of the saints,
BUT the Lord deliver them out of them all.'
The truth may languish, but it will never perish."

Matt Abendroth
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
"I find it strange what O.J. Simpson can get away with--
yet Mzwakhe Mbuli didn't even do anything wrong, and look at him!
The world sure has a lot of bugs to be worked out..."

Tebogo Mametja
"Please let Mzwakhe free because he is innocent--how can he do that?
His family needs him as a father for love and security reasons.
We also need him, too, so let him go FREE!!!!
Let those who are innocent walk FREE in the streets!!!"

Buntu Siwiswa
Oxford University, St. Peter's College, United Kingdom
"'Speak of me as I am. Nothing extenuate,
nor set down aught in malice.' (Othello, William Shakespeare)
If Comrade Mzwakhe Mbuli has been hushed from speaking for himself,
then we, his ears, will take over his mouth and speak for him..."

Carol Ballard
Leamington Spa, England
"Please return Mzwakhe Mbuli to his people and to his family."

Moyo
"Free Mzwakhe!"

Mkhanyiseli Nobleman Ngubane
KwaXimba, South Africa
"At KwaXimba in KwaZulu-Natal, under
Chief Mlaba Zibuse, WE MISS YOU!"

Mbuyisi Ndoloshe

Molefi
South Africa
"Just because the ANC is in government,
it does not mean they govern.
The truth is yet to come, and it will set him free."

Paseko Maqaza
South Africa
"I fully support Mzwakhe's release from Prison.
Change is really pain.
Our justice system is mostly white, and now we find that white judges
who were working with the past government are fighting back!
I hope that one day our "democratic" government
will realize what is taking place in South Africa
'When days are dark, friends are few.'
Mzwakhe did not go into exile--he fought with us in the country!
Please let Mzwakhe be set FREE!!!!"

Lungelo Golden Nsibande
" We miss you, Mzwakhe!
A million dollar question we have--besides what they have done:
WHY YOUR MUSIC IS NOT ALLOWED IN PUBLIC.
We request and want to know that simple fact,
because one day the truth will come.
We are not children.
Really, we need to take this seriously before it becomes worse.
I want to believe there's no smoke without fire..."

Paseka
Vista University, Welkom, Free State, South Africa
"Mzwakhe fought for freedom, but he is in jail.
Mbeki, please wake up!
Stop this nonsense now, and free Mzwakhe!"

Andie
Durban, South Africa

Lumkile Nkomo
South Africa
"I recently read a story about Mbuli on Focus,
"The Case of the People's Poet."
I also believe that this incident was designed to frame him.
Please release the People's Poet!!"

Ivan Simundic, M.D.
Croatia, Europe
"When injustice becomes law,
resistance becomes responsibility."

Freddie Nyathela
Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa

Thelvi Moktagane Mmako
"Those who say Mzwakhe is guilty, they are guilty themselves!
The gods of justice and the God of the poor will punish
those magistrates and judges who convict innocent people.
Mzwakhe and the truth do not collide.
The People's Poet and money do not mix.
He is therefore not a criminal but a poet.
HE WILL RETURN!"

Trevor Goodgin-Hill
Canada
"Free humankind.
Close all prisons, and dismantle the nation-state."

Mandla A. Mbokazi
"Mzwakhe is innocent.
Please, anyone who has the power to release him, please...
The whole of South Africa needs Mbuli to come back home. Please help us!"

Jim Yarbrough
Newbury Park, California, USA
"Please release Mzwakhe Mbuli from prison immediately.
Why did we suffer to end apartheid
if we now make a slave of this noble poet?"

Sammy Maifadi, Boipelo Jwa Sechaba
Northwest Province, South Africa
"When prison cells have produced country leaders,
it's only shameful that former prisoners imprison each other.
BE STRONG, MZWAKHE, WE ARE PATIENTLY WAITING FOR YOU!"

Malizole Diko
South Africa
"Mbuli has been an icon of the struggle, and it boggles my mind
when those who were in the battle lines with him forget so soon.
We have seen the powers-that-be protect their comrades
when it is clear that they have violated social codes and ethics.
Why were they so quick to distance themselves from Mbuli?
I am writing this in my personal capacity and not as the
Secretary General of the United Democratic Movement,
however I will lobby amongst my members to support Mbuli.
May the Grace of the Almighty be with Mzwakhe
and his family at this very difficult time."

Shadrack Ngcobo
South Africa
"I DEMAND THE RELEASE OF MZWAKHE MBULI."

Lesley Moche
South Africa
"I don't think Mzwakhe, who fought the
justice system of the past through his poetic talent,
Mzwahke who once raised more that R15,000 for charity,
Mzwakhe who is a father and a loving husband,
can be taken away from peace-loving South Africans.
I humbly with greatest respect ask the Minister of Justice
to look into the matter again himself and
release the struggle fighter for South Africans, please.
Please, Mr. Minister, if you don't assure us publicly
that Mzwakhe is guilty, then I doubt the justice system
is still in the hands of agents of apartheid who don't want
Mzwakhe to reveal what he saw they did during apartheid."

Maureen Mlotshwa
"Please release him."

Trevor Molefe
South Africa

John Enrique Mata

Africa Chegoane Nicholas Mabelane
WHY IS IN AFRICA!!
Why is these dark thoughts of discrimination in Africa?
Why these allegations?
Why not Africa for Africans?
Yes!!!! but our minds can't be destroyed,
Our vision can't be destroyed,
We will fight until the last drop of our blood,
for democracy for all--not Demo-Crazy for all.
LET THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE'S POET BE ALIVE AND ACTIVE.
LET US FIGHT AGAINST UNPOPULAR REGIMES.
AFRICANS, AFRICANS--LET US BE STRONG AGAINST
DISCRIMINATION FOREVER AND EVER!!!!

Lesogo
"Free Mzwakhe.
Isn't this supposed to be the new South Africa?"

Ilse Jansen
South Africa
"I sign this petition on behalf of myself, my husband,
my daughter, Déna Skye, my family and my Grade 12 History learners.
We sign this petition with pride and wish our imbongi all the best."

James
"The truth is yet to come, and the truth shall set you free."

Ingrid Josephs
South Africa
" Free Mzwakhe!! He is innocent. Give him a fair trail.
What happened to the "free South Africa"?
I urge everyone who visits this web site to sign this petition.
We need the Son of Africa!!"

Motlotlegi Nat Mokgosi
South Africa
"There's power in powerlessness."

Themani Dube
"Free Mzawkhe Mbuli, the people's poet!"

Shameeya neo waMolefe
Soweto, South Africa

Sisi Nkele
South Africa
"Kakopo e golo ke ka thaba ha Mzwakhe
a ka gotla hae hobane seri hlopehile haholo moyeng."

Linda Dlamini
Benoni, South Africa
"He has done more good than damage to the nation.
We have done more damage to him than good.
Give him peace at last."

Mashile "Solly" Lali
Wattville, South Africa
"I am not surprised.
This sounds and looks like the real ANC-led government.
How many of our black brothers and sisters
are behind bars and are innocent like him?"

Sipho Madiya
South Africa
"There must be something that Mzwakhe knows,
has against the state apparatus, that we do not know.
Let the truth come out."

Modisakgotla Kalayakgosi
Gaborone, Botswana
"Even though you face the difficulties of today and tomorrow,
I still have a dream that one day you will be free.
VIVA MZWAKHE VIVA THE PEOPLE'S POET!"

Molemo Mabapa
South Africa
"I know they are afraid of what Mzwakhe Mbuli says in his poetry.
It creates waves, and they run for cover.
now they think that when you are in prison, you cannot be heard.
They are lying.
Sticks and stones break your hand, but words will do nothing.
I know you will be free, and free to let us know the truth.
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!"

Mafedile Makwala
South Africa
"The struggle for justice has just begun.
You will survive!"

Maureen Mlotshwa
"PLEASE RELEASE HIM!"

Poppy Mohlala
South Africa
"Let Mzwakhe be released.
The world misses him for the good."

Helen Goethals
Université Lumičre Lyon 2, France
"Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose."
Keep steadfast."

Baile Sekano
Germany
"Please release Mbuli."

Bongile Ganyile
"Long live the spirit of Mzwakhe.
He will return, and one day the truth will be said,
justice will be done, and everybody will know Mzwakhe's arrest was
the continuation of racism and apartheid in a democratic vision."

John Leshalabe
South Africa
"I'm in support of Mzwakhe, just like other South Africans.
Let him be free!"

Bassam Imam
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
"God forbids persecution of human beings or animals.
He wants truth and justice for humanity!"

David Turkon, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthopology, Glendale Community College, Arizona, USA

Molatela Daniel Mathikithela
"Whenever I think of what is happening to Mbuli, my heart bleeds.
I truly believe Mzwakhe is a victim of the circumstances..."

Navin Sharma
"To President Mbeki:
Recently your country held the World Conference
Against Racism, Xenophobia, and Religious Intolerance...
South Africa and the majority of nations of the world
pledged to further human rights, justice and equality for all persons.
It is in that regard that I write concerning the case of Mzwakhe Mbuli.
Mr. Mbuli is not common criminal--as members of your security
and prison services seek to depict him.
He is an international celebrity whose songs and poetry
are sold and beloved all over the world.
He is seen as a political prisoner, a "voice of the voiceless,"
much as framed-up American death row prisoner, Mumia Abu Jamal
is seen by persons all over the world.
Mr. Mbuli was railroaded to jail,
and despite lack of a criminal record and his status
as a national leader and activist, he was denied bail
and in fact held for a year and a-half before trial
in conditions more befitting the apartheid police state
than a celebrated democracy that values human rights and fair play.
This is fundamentally unfair.
It is a shame and a disgrace and will come back
to haunt your government if nothing is done..."

Simbarashe Masimba-Zimbawe
"Please let them know that...
Whatever you do, do the right thing.
Please don't stop living, son of the soil...."

Mr. O.G.
"'And when they had laid many stripes upon them,
they cast them into prison,
charging the jailor to keep them safely.
Who, having received such a charge,
thrust them into the inner prison,
and made their feet fast in the stocks.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed
and sang praises unto God,
and the prisoners heard them.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake,
so that the foundations of the prison were shaken,
and immediately all the doors were opened,
and every one's bands were loosed.
And the keeper of the prison, awaking
out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors open,
he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself,
supposing that the prisoners had been fled.'
Mzwakhe might be behind bars and imprisoned,
but his captors cannot imprison his soul and his spirit.
Behold, his spirit still roams
and fills the rest of the world.
It still spreads the message of hope
and of a good future.
Halala Mzwakhe halala..."

SEN Inyambo
Namibia
"While involved in the fight for the independence
of our country, Namibia, we were encouraged by Mzwakhe's poems.
Especially the one on Solitary Confinement.
Mzwakhe cannot be criminal nor a thief.
Most of us believe that Mzwakhe is innocent.
We are asking for a re-trial or free him immediately.
To my South African brothers and sisters in Government,
please re-visit the road that you have walked
to be here where you are now.
To my comrades in ANC/SACP/COSATU and PAC,
let us hear from you on Mzwakhe's case.
During the South African struggle
Mzwakhe was not out of the country,
he remained behind and reminded everyone in
South Africa and Namibia that the struggle must continue.
He did it with the only weapon at his disposal, his poems.
He was harassed by the apartheid regime,
but his motto was always "Aluta Continua."
Set Mzwakhe FREE.
Please do not kill his spirit.
South Africa, show us that you are different from other countries.
We want to see Mzwakhe walking freely in the New South Africa.
Free Mzwakhe so that he can be with wife and children."

Daniel Marapelo Mothei
Gaborone, Botswana
"I am interested in knowing why Mzwakhe can't be released,
as I am convinced that he is innocent."

Katrina Goldstone
Dublin, Ireland
"Set Mzwakhe Mbuli free!"

Muelina

Vicky Mashela
South Africa
"I'm totally convinced the South African law is only made to
make us as Blacks suffer, or it has eyes to see who is it applied to.
To me, Mzwakhe is totally innocent.
Even the blind and the illiterate can see that.
All that is being done to him is to destroy his hopes of life,
and kill his trust in everyone he trusted.
God will judge this 'eye law.'
I fully believe Mzwakhe's case won't end up here.
God will do the amazing for innocent convicts..."

Fini Baphela
Masemola, South Africa
"Your poems are containing liberation messages.
We hope to see soon again, because no one can take your position."

Serena (Drora) Tene
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
"Please let the music play on.
Please don't silence beautiful words of justice and equality."

Fr. William Guri, C.Ss.R.
Harare, Zimbabwe
"May justice prevail in the Republic of South Africa.
May the innocent be vindicated.
May Mzwakhe be freed."

Sibusiso
South Africa
"I think Mzwakhe is being accused
of something he did not do.
I send a strong shout to the government
to free the people's poet."

Qalo Gabela
Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
"Can't say more...Mzwakhe's been an inspiration
to the youth here in Azania.
Free Mzwakhe! Aluta continua!!!"

MUTABARUKA
Kingston, Jamaica
"TOTAL SOLIDARITY."

Stanley
South Africa
"One day GOD is going to do an amazing thing
to those who call his name,
and GOD is always there for you Mzwakhe. JA.
Nge mpela ukulimala kwakho ukulimala kwesizwe...
We miss those encouraging words
you used to sing for us, indeed we do."

Maciej Sudra
" I love the website, and
I truly and deeply hope things go your way.
I was in prison and know how it feels
to have your freedom taken away.
Freedom--something given to you by God--
taken away by someone who society has given more power to.
Life on earth is beautiful and limited,
and I think it's a shame how part of that life
can be taken away from someone--especially for minor crimes
that people are sorry for--or even worse, crimes they did not commit.
Prison is not a solution.
Best wishes, and I hope things work out..."

David Force
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Per Domstad
Sweden
"I live in Sweden, and I have been
a fan of Mzwakhe for many years.
I can't believe he's not out of prison yet!
It's a great shame!"

Gcinulwazi Prince Qamata
"All this that you are going through must give you a lesson.
I hope there are lot of things you've learnt out of it.
I know that God is with you
in spite of everything you are going through.
Hope to see you soon. I love you very much.
You've inspired a lot of things in my life..."

Ferdinand Mabalane
Johannesburg, South Africa
"Having known and worked with Mzwakhe,
I have just one wish: that he be released
or at least be given a fair opportunity
for the appeal he has lodged.
He is one of the building blocks of our society.
Incarcerating him denies us
of his invaluable contribution
to both political and cultural education
that we so dearly need.
Mz, justice will prevail some day,
I have this undying belief..."

L. Oliver
"Don't ever give up hope!"

Nothemba June Khumalo
"Oh! Siyalila day and night--Free Mzwakhe!
His talent is too great to forget,
and I am convinced that he is innocent.
I pray God is going to answer all our prayers
and set Mzwakhe free, and this will prove
that the devil is a liar and will always be defeated.
And to whomever made this false claim:
the judgment day is coming to you!!"

Tsandeza Mthombeni
South Africa
"Mzwakhe, accept that God is with you...
Let me remember---Klopper got amnesty
after having testified in the TRC
that security police planted grenades in your house.
You were nevertheless detained for that.
In your current case, one of the cops
who arrested you committed suicide.
(I hope you meet in Heaven).
The bank camera was not switched on
when you 'entered the bank undisguised to rob it.'
You 'remained in the vicinity
for some fifteen minutes after the robbery.'
(You should be damned brave!)
The police 'found the stolen money in your car,
and some firearms and grenades.'
(I hope the grenades are not the same as Klopper's!)
The police 'forgot' to take fingerprints from these items.
I was totally surprised that, despite your popularity,
no one recognized you in the ID parade.
I hear your instructing lawyers have forgotten
to lodge on your behalf your appeal to Bloemfontein.
It's a pity you did not contribute to the struggle...
Otherwise, the government would smell a rat
and facilitate that you get justice.
GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE YOU!
If this is your assignment on this planet,
fulfill it, qabane...
If Mandela spent twenty-seven years for nothing,
draw strength from it.
But let me warn you seriously---
you will find it hard to live up to the expectations
of the world when you come out. AMANDLA!"

Mpho Mafora
Johannesburg, South Africa

Elizabeth Mosidi Ndoweni
South Africa
"How are you? You will be out soon..."

"PLEASE SET HIM FREE!"

Mbingeleli Tobo
"Please let the freedom fighter enjoy the freedom he fought for.
I am referring to you, the South African Government."

Nick Zemura
Zimbabwean student studying in USA
"THE CLOUDS MAY COVER THE SUN,
BUT THAT WON'T MAKE THE DAY NIGHT
UNTIL THE SUN WILLING SETS.
SHINE ON, MBULI!"

S.S. Shangombe
Namibia, Omaruru
"I know Mzwakhe Mbuli.
Do you know Mzwakhe Mbuli?
Let's fight for his freedom!"

Tasha Godfrey

Mathevula Hlayiseka Mokesh
Northern Province, South Africa
"PLEASE GIVE HIM A PAROLE AND FREE HIM--PLEASE!"

Matome
South Africa
A nation without poets is doomed to chaos.
Mzwakhe was and is our spokesperson--and so he will remain.
Let your pen be ever-moving, and God bless you!"

William Thamaga Lolo
South Africa
"MY HEART IS BROKEN
BECAUSE THEY HAVE ARRESTED THE INNOCENT,
YOUR TALENT AND MANY THINGS BEYOND YOUR DREAMS.
May the Almighty Lord be with you
at all times during your struggle..."

Hillary Erasmus
South Africa
"Let us not been found guilty of silencing
voices which cried out boldly for our freedom.
Voices which gave light in darkness.
Mzwakhe's imprisonment is every South African's imprisonment.
One less voice of freedom.
Let this not be a monument to our apathy!"

Masomelele Ngini
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
"Never give up, my brother...
Everything has an end.
You will be out of prison.
You will overcome your enemies."

Daniel Merapelo Mothei
Botswana

Sthembilini Nsimbini
South Africa
"For the development of art in our country,
our mentor and teacher should be freed
so as to continue where he left
for us to be educated through art...
FREE DIE LANG MAN!
We've missed that voice
which changed the state of art in the 80's,
the voice that built our confidence as young artists...
The art is dying because our mentor is chained.
SOUTH AFRICA SHALL KNOW NO AFRICAN RENAISSANCE
UNTIL MZWAKHE IS FREE!
FREE DIE LANG MAN!"

Silas
"I enjoyed the visit to your website.
But what has happened to Mzwakhe, I don't like.
They must revisit his court case,
because justice must be done."

Melissa Robin
New York, USA

Edwin Matshia Matshwene
University of the North, South Africa
"There is only one reason why Mzwakhe is kept in prisons.
The reason is from his poem,
'Pretoria, Pretoria, the Capital City of Apartheid.'
So, with immediate effect--if not with the speed of light--
I personally demand the release of the hero poet."

Elvis Lazola Nqeketo
South Africa
"Makakhululwe uMzwakhe ngoba akanatyala...
Please, maAfrika amahle ndiyacela,
ndibuhlungu ngokuba akenzanga lutho."

Kgoloko Sekhukhune
South Africa
Mr. President, do a good thing:
RELEASE MZWAKHE!"

Tiny Saluma
"Big up, every time,
and don't let the system kill your spirit!"

Khela Zungu
"You are like Paul the Apostle
who was jailed in Rome because he was a good man.
I know you, my brother.
No man can break your spirit.
The nation loves you.
One day, like for a true hero, prison gates will open up
for welcome from the nation by peace-loving multitudes!
Long Live, Comrade!!"

Sindiso Nkululeko Sibhula
"The truth shall come out."

Ray Poloka

Rob Suentes
Oakland, California, USA
I have worked with many musicians over the past
20-odd years as roadie, sound technician, road manager,
and as club manager. I have never been so awed,
personally inspired, educated or proud
to work with any Man of Integrity.
Always did Mzwakhe speak and live Truth.
I pray that whichever authorities read this and are
in a position to do so might free this righteous individual
from his totally incorrect imprisonment."

Nkosamhlubi
U.K.

Moses
"FREE MZWAKHE!"

Sonja van Rooy and family
Namibia
"Free the People's Poet!
I believe that Mzwakhe Mbuli is innocent.
Let justice reign!
This is a time for South Africa to prove her
sincere commitment to the protection of human rights
by setting free a son of the soil.
Aluta Continua!!!!"

Thelekezi Dlodlo
"YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.
Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer;
thou shalt cry, and He shall say, 'Here I am.'"
--Isaiah 58:9

Maureen Mlotshwa
"Please release him."

Sipho Mnyakeni, President
Heavenly Youth Christian Movement International
South Africa
"Mzwakhe's prophetic voice is missed,
and his mission is crucial
in ensuring the freedom of blacks in South Africa.
Let my PERSON go!!"

Leslie A. Javarone

Lauryn Jennings
U.K.
"FREE MZWAKHE!"

Roger Evenson
USA
"We in the United States who are aware of the imprisonment
of Mzwakhe Mbuli regret that such a patriot as he is unjustly
treated in this manner and declare that justice shall never arrive
in South Africa until this fine gentleman is freed."

Placido Maas
"It is indeed a sad event in the young history
of the new South Africa that an accomplished musician,
poet, patriot, father, and honest citizen is rotting behind bars.
The real criminals who committed gruesome crimes under apartheid--
and maybe recently--have been forgiven.
I strongly believe that Mzwakhe should be freed unconditionally."

Tracy
" I thought oppression was being stamped out.
I left South Africa in 1997 with a warm heart,
knowing or hoping those days were over.
This is a huge miscarriage of justice.
In fact, justice was not seen here at all.
Why don't you who are responsible
for his shackles bring back apartheid,
and you can lock up thousands
of innocent people like you used to.
Has nothing changed?
FREE MZWAKHE NOW -- the longer this goes on,
the more respect and loyalty this government will lose!"

George Obol
Sweden
"Justice and truth will prevail
at a later stage for OUR beloved brother!"

Ndifelani
"Release this innocent man--
or history will judge you!
Let him walk free to his family
before the end of this festive season!"

Bheko Madlala
Durban, South Africa
"What is disheartening about Mzwakhe's incarceration
is that he has been wrongfully imprisoned
by the same government he valiantly fought for.
Until Mzwakhe is free, we cannot claim to enjoy
the fruits of our hard-fought democracy."

Conrad Mabunda
South Africa
" Mr. President, Justice Minister:
bust the ghosts of apartheid leaders, and
FREE THE PEOPLE'S POET. LET JUSTICE BE DONE.
Mzwakhe is being haunted by Verwoerd and friends' ghosts.
The only ghostbuster in this situation
is Thabo 'Mr. President' Mbeki.
Where can Mzwakhe find you?
Avail yourself, Mr. President!"

Ntebalang Poloka
"HOWEVER LONG THE NIGHT MAY LAST,
THERE WILL BE THE MORNING.
NO MATTER HOW LONG THEY PUT YOU IN PRISON,
ONE DAY YOU WILL BE RELEASED."

Joseph Peter Kgomo
" Big Brother, be STRONG.
Let them jail your body,
but not your mind and soul.
WE LOVE YOU. Keep well..."

Imelda Phahlane
"I have not much to say...
This really makes my heart bleed
to see that people who have committed
terrible crimes are living happily
with their families, and Mzwakhe--who
has done nothing but make us proud--
is serving 13 years for doing nothing!
Where is justice in this?
Does anyone ever think of his family?
His children are growing without their father.
I just want to say that God never abandons His children.
Mzwakhe be patient, and put your trust in God!"

Mbulelo Dili
"This case has written 'neo-apartheid' all over it.
The truth shall set Mzwakhe Mbuli free!"

Thabang Sekhuwama
"Comrade, don't ever give up.
We will always support you---
irrespective of the crime they said you have committed.
One thing we have to do is
to get into the justice system of South Africa.
I believe our justice system is totally unfair.
God Bless You---we all love you."

Isan Mao Motlaleng
Gaborone, Botswana
"Comrade Mbuli, even if they break you physically,
no one can break your spirit!!!
Long live the people's poet!!!
We do miss you badly..."

Japhta Mthethwa
South Africa
"I hope that one day you will walk free after all this.
May God the Almighty be with you and your children.
I believe that you never did this,
but you must also learn to forgive,
like God who forgave those
who trespassed against Him."

Amos Letsoalo
South Africa
"Comrade, above the clouds, the sun always shines.
What you are going through now--
sooner or later it will come to an end.
We are with you, and we are on your side.
Be strong."

Siziwe Ribe
South Africa
"We'll always love you, Mzwakhe
and believe you are innocent."

Krystle

Terry and Barbara Bell
"Viva Mzwakhe, Viva!
Aluta continua!
There is still so much unfinished business."

Jose G. Rodriguez
Los Angeles, California, USA
Industrial Workers of the World [IWW]
"On my behalf, I show my support
for all those who fight against any type of injustice.
For a world without borders, and for complete autonomy..."

Nhlanhlenhle Sithole
"MZWAKHE IS INNOCENT.
I WISH THE STATE TO RELEASE HIM.
We miss our poetry, we miss Mzwakhe,
and we don't want to suffer for that pain!
Justice must not only be done but be seen done.
Mr. President, by releasing Mzwakhe,
you will be healing many wounds."

Peter Riber
Cape Town, South Africa

Mphanya
South Africa
"Oh, my God, this is pathetic,
of the so-called people's government.
Is this the government of the people by the people?
My God, is this true, what my eyes are showing me?
The oppressed have become the oppressors--why?
Release the son of the soil, and Africa shall be at peace."

Stan Mkhabele
"Mr President, known murderers and criminals
roam the township streets every day,
terrorizing citizens with impunity.
Why is Mzwakhe Mbuli condemned to jail for so long
and without 'proof beyond reasonable doubt'?
Please do not let us waste this national treasure.
I named my son, Mzwakhe Mkhabele, after this icon,
and he will turn ten years old on 23 Dec 2001.
Kindly free Mzwakhe before Christmas!"

Willard "Widzo" KaNcube
Canada
"l*mdedele ngeparole, we need him to come and sing for us!
I believe he is not guilty,
but the whole case is politically motivated.
Let's leave politics to the politicians
and of course the musician to the fans.
Whoever is behind this:
Mzwakhe's songs did a lot for the society.
Some of us, we repented because of the power of his message."

Thabo Motikini
Maseru, Lesotho
"Brother, you have been jailed
because they think you know too much.
Those in power fear that you'll expose their bad deeds.
The struggle continues / aluta continua."

Dawa Sonam
Canada

Moses Lyric Mohlomi
musician, USA
"We restore knowledge wisdom freedom and strength to feeble minds
See ignorance is contagious in these mid-evil times
People are still barbaric but they act like they're civilized
Telling lies to survive in these times of evil crimes
I'll question all the powers that be and scream ma-yi-buye
Tell Mandela up in Afrika to free-up Mzwakhe Mbuli
Damn it, I feel just how this microphone does
Looking out at y'all thru my cellophane eyes
* * * * * * *
Mzwakhe Mbuli has been my inspiration.
I'm a hiphop artist who was born and raised in South Africa up until 1995.
My mother was exhiled befo I could remember her at all.
Mzwakhe, I feel like you have a message that needs to be heard.
I don't really know the status of your case right now, but I have a show
with Dead Prez., Dilated People, and Talib Kwali in Berkeley, California
called "Liberation 2002" at which I plan on letting the thousands of people
that are going to be there know about the injustice and cruelty shown to you
by this new government which you and I fought so hard for..."

V. Pearl
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Bongane Mashika
"I'm deeply hurt.
Can you please find the real criminals.
I strongly believe that one day, the truth will emerge
from the shadows, and it will rise like a phoenix.
On that day, this man of integrity will be freed."

Ray
"I fully support his freedom that he should be given."

Nomazizi Sokudela and Mamazane Xulu
New York, New York, USA
"Comrade Mzwakhe, may God continue to protect and strengthen you
during this protracted and arduous fight for your personal freedom.
Some of us will never forget your powerful contribution
towards the liberation of our country.
We add our voices to the campaign to hasten the day
for the delivery of justice for which you fought so hard."

Donna Harrison
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
"I met Mzwakhe Mbuli when he came to perform many years ago.
I had a copy of Change is Pain album and loved it.
My progressive friends and I passed it around in anticipation.
At the concert, I was transfixed by his enormous stage presence,
uplifted by his message of resistance despite poverty, brutality
and injustice, and especially inspired by his commitment to principles
of progressive change and social justice. I met him afterwards,
and as we spoke briefly, I understood the power of his convictions
and the strength that lies in their championship.
I learned a lot that day from the People's Poet by example.
He remains for me a powerful role model for justice in grave adversity.
and provides me with a sense of hope that to this day rekindles my own
spirits whenever the forces of injustice and greed seem overwhelming.
Through that one encounter, with effects lasting years afterwards,
I understand the great service the People's Poet does for the masses
in an era when thinking critically and independently
and working for social good for the working classes is a crime.
Mzwakhe Mbuli is a threat precisely because he inspires others, instills
hope in others, and because he has a magnificently creative spirit.
He is innocent--an unfailing voice for peace and justice
and for the poor, and he MUST be set free.
The people ask for the People's Poet.
The people demand that he be freed."

John Khechane
Houston, Texas, USA
"Please maintain the freedom we gained after such a struggle
by freeing the innocents. I believe Mzwakhe is innocent."

Dr. Pulang Thethela
Oxford University, UK
"One can spend a whole day narrating Mzwakhe Mbuli's story.
Suffice to say his poetry/music was a source of strength
during the difficult years of apartheid.
I was one of the South African students in Edinburgh in the late 1980s
who played his poetry, which was our source of strength whenever
we felt we couldn't cope. And of course that poetry contributed
a great deal to our sense of being a nation after 1994.
You can imagine my shock when I heard that he had been arrested and
when I heard how he had not been given a fair hearing at his trial.
At the time I hoped that the appellate court would overturn his conviction.
But alas, nothing of the sort happened. Then my question became, how can
a man who fought so hard against the injustices of the Apartheid system
become a prisoner at a time when he should be enjoying the fruits of his toil?
What this Son of Africa, the People's Poet, who was loved and is still loved
by many South Africans has suffered is beyond any human comprehension.
It is my sincere hope that justice will be done, and he will be released.
* * * * * * *
To you Mzwakhe, I say, like millions of people whose lives you touched
through your poetry, we love you, and we believe in your innocence.
To your family I can only say it is difficult to even begin to understand
what you must be going through. May Almighty God be with you and give you
strength and comfort till the day your loved one comes home to you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in these trying times."

Bushy Tingwe
South Africa
" Are these people not born by a woman?
Please, the founders and practitioners of law, give help where
necessary to assist in the release of our poet, Mzwakhe.
No one is healing the nation with the poetic rhythm like his."

Rommel Makumanise
" Political leaders, you should have a human heart!
Mzwakhe, considering facts, is truly innocent.
The facts presented by The Mail and Guardian do show that
you want God to really tell you of his innocence.
Allegations towards him are baseless.
Don't politicize the matter!
To Thandanani, Thandeka, Mthandeni, may God console you.
There is still a gleam of hope.
In thou, Lord God, we trust."

Nicol
South Africa
"For how long are our fellow countrymen going to suffer
at the hands of this country's corrupt justice system?
Can't someone be true and honest to this rainbow nation
and do justice by freeing the innocent, Mzwakhe Mbuli?"

Mungedzi Nkuna
Northern Province, South Africa
"My Question to the Powers that be is: when is injustice
to people who mean a lot to the nation going to end?
People who terrorize our society go scot-free; racists who kill
innocent people and drag them behind their car for five kilometers
get an opportunity to justice and moreover get light sentences.
An innocent man who has done much for the nation is being
intentionally silenced for whatever reason--not right!
It is time we put an end to this and set free
the icon of the historically oppressed."

Rommel
"Even the weakest of all species when attacked,
threatened with extinction, will battle and find ways
of preserving its existence.
Let us do something for justice to prevail!"

John Hinda
"I believe in justice,
but the person jailed is wrongfully in custody.
Therefore, this is our cry to free him!
Let him enjoy the freedom which he was granted.
ALUTA CONTINUA."

Mandisile
Antwerp, Belgium
I believe in his innocence,
as I did from the first instance.
He's been an inspiration to me,
as I used to recite his poems,
and they made me stronger
throughout my activities as an MK soldier.
Mzwakhe, hang on, the truth is yet to come!"

Ronny Bodibo
Xina, South Africa

Bonakele Bonny Mbukelwa
"I pledge my unwavering support
for the fair trial and release of Mzwakhe Mbuli."

Aubrey Mathinjwa
South Africa
"Prison is not a grave."

Makopo
South Africa
"It is really shocking that
the South African government led by the ANC
is unwilling to give Mzwakhe Mbuli a fair trial!"

Alaina Allen
Niagara Falls, New York, USA
"Mzwakhe, take courage.
The world is aware of your unjust suffering,
and we thank you for your boldness, your strength,
and your faithfulness to Truth.
May the light of your righteous spirit endure
and justice triumph with your freedom.
It is obvious to everyone who knows you
or heard your words that you are innocent
of the flimsy charges brought by a corrupt government.
Free Mzwakhe Mbuli, an innocent man and loyal citizen!
Much love to Mzwakhe, his family, friends
and supporters all over the globe..."

Mandlakayise S.J. Thabethe
South Africa
"We all know that one day you'll be free,
and we believe in your innocence."

Bernard
"Be strong, my brother.
God will see you through.
We share in your agony."

Skumbhuzo Ntenteni
"I wish you well and a happy Christmas."

Mike Shomba
New York, USA

Ilka Wetzig
Nelspruit, South Africa
"Clearly the system continues to serve its own
dubious purpose at the expense of the innocent."

Advocate Selby Nyathi
Pretoria, South Africa
"There has never been a better time to release Mzwakhe than now!
He will help steer the quest for moral regeneration.
He is a man of principle for whom I have high regard."

Thembinkosi Mabila
South Africa
"The atrocities of the past cannot afford
to be haunting us in this way.
Free him, so that his children can have peace of mind."

Aaron Miller
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Natalie Skok

John Obercian

Sibusiso Cebukhulu
Durban, South Africa

Brandon Jaricha
"FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
Let the truth be told.
We shall overcome."

Madala Ewie Njonga
Ewie, Cape Town, South Africa "Mzwakhe should walk free.
The brother needs a fair trial.
The framing of this outspoken man
was always around the corner.
Free the man--let justice prevail.
Enough is enough!"

Xola
"One thing that you have to be sure of
is that God always takes the side of the oppressed.
Do not give up."

John Hansen
Denmark
"Let thousands of voices ring out with the call
for your freedom and release from prison.
South Africa and the world
cannot allow such a person to be kept in silence.
Let your music and poetry once more inspire people everywhere."

Xolile Nqata
"The existence of the Mbuli site need to popularized.
I am among those who would have signed the petition long ago
had I known about its existence.
I would have told many comrades I have spoken to since the arrest,
bail refusal, trial and sentencing of Mbuli
who always still believed in the innocence of the People's Poet.
I have seen the site address in the Mail & Guardian article.
Please put some adverts with the website and postal address
so the majority of the poor--of whom Mzwakhe remained a part--
are able to express support to this great artist and comrade.
Mzwakhe, I am calling for your freedom from the chains
and plead with our President to release you, so that
you may have Christmas with your beautiful and loving family
as a deserving and loving father."

Mpho Netsianda
"What is justice if corruption is so transparent
and obvious in this country?
Free Mzwakhe!
We await his positive message
against women abuse and child rape.
What bank robber would rob a bank
and drive around with evidence?
Who sentenced him anyway?
Do yourself justice once,
and let the innocent remain innocent!"

Charmaine Lyomu
USA

Jim Fairhart
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Melissa
Indiana, USA
"I really hope that the people of South Africa
can realize that this man is not a threat to their way of life
and in turn let him live HIS life!"

Tau Gowon
"Free my brother Mbuli!
Where is your humanity?
Mzwakhe is innocent!"

Musasa
"Nadhani Mzwakhe ni mtu safi ambaye alijua
kutetea mila na utamaduni wa Wazulu.
Sio suala la busara kuendelea kumshikilia wakati
kuna watoto wake wanomtegemea.
TAFADHALI MWACHIE MZWAKHE MBULI."

Sakhelephi Arthur Zwane
"Release Mzwakhe, because keeping him in prison
for something which he has not done will not destroy him
but will make him grow taller than what he is now.
Eyi--let him go and have the freedom he has being fighting for!!!"

Moses Sithole
"Until such time that the justice system in our country
sees no color, black people will remains victims of the past
under the new dispensation. Free the People's Poet today,
and don't wait for tomorrow!"

Ngubeni ka Nkophe
Saskatchewan, Canada
"I join many who demand that Mzwakhe Mbuli be released
unconditionally from false imprisonment.
The imprisonment of the People's Poet is the dramatic form
of general lack of freedom of Afrikan people in South Afrika."

Mebotha Cleopas Lephoto
"What is done to Mzwakhe is unfair.
Please set him free!"

Franz Halaku
South Africa
"Mzwakhe, try very hard to enjoy your festive season.
Do not let anyone discourage you or let your spirit down.
I know that you're a strong man, you'll make it one day.
With a very serious note,
I also want to support the petition
that you should be released as soon as possible."

Douglas Batterbee
Wellington, New Zealand

Keinann Warsame
"'Freedom is the unspoken sound,
and a wall is a wall and can be broken down.'
-- Assata Shakur and Common
My journey has been most severe,
but the human who's attacked will adapt and persevere.
We will need him like the blood we spill,
because he's freedom, freedom for the hearts who feel.
From a poet to another,
a truth seeker to another,
I support my brother
and will join the hearts who feel
in working to get him released
and back with his loved ones where he should be--
not behind a brick cell. It's paining me."

Oliver Pattenden
Connecticut, USA

Matome
"You will always be remembered not as a criminal but
as the one who will come and deliver the good news,
inspire the weak, uplift the downtrodden
and provide therapy through poetry and music.
There are so many illnesses in our society,
and for as long as we are deprived of the physician,
the infliction and infection will be perpetual.
At this Christmastime, remember that God loves you,
and the time is not too distant when He will fling the
prison gates wide open, and you will never be enclosed again.
Mzwakhe, we long for your release.
We love you, and above all, we are praying for you.
God bless you!"

Alicia
"How can people do this to a guy like this?
I will sign the petition."

Arthur Hughes

Khothatso Mokoena
Canada
"I support Mzwakhe Mbuli,
and I am willing to sign the petition.
I am South African, from Soweto,
in Canada completing studies in psychology.
God bless Africa and its children!"

Advocate Sifela Falaza Hlohla
"Keep on praying to The Almighty God.
Very soon I shall be practicing in South Africa.
Your case is on top of my priority cases.
I will not rest until you are set free!
Justice shall prevail over corruption,
and you shall sing for the people again!"

Oupa Montsia
"The justice system of our country is still
in the hands of the servants of the Apartheid legacy.
Mzwakhe, you are not alone in your plight.
This is another chapter of our struggle,
and there is no doubt we will overcome
all forms of incarceration influenced by hatred and racism.
May this festive season bring you joy, peace and determination
to continue with the fight against all injustices in our country."

Simbarashe
"Soon we'll find out
who's the real revolutionary." --Bob Marley

Alaine Kane
USA
"FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
The freeing of this man will prove there is indeed
a system of justice--not just chaos and anarchy--
that the rule of law should be well respected.
Commute the sentence to time already served.
Let this man rejoin society.
There's no doubt he has a great deal
to offer the future, the new South Africa.
As long as he is jailed, there is no real "freedom."
As long as he is in chains, so is freedom itself constrained.
Our thoughts here in the USA are with you, Mzwakhe.
May you be in a holiday celebration, a free man
rejoined with your family.
This is my prayer for you this holiday season!"

Clement Dube
"Born free, but always in chains?
What are you doing to Mzwakhe?"

Janet Spivey
"Please listen to him!"

Bhekithemba Zwane
Geneva Switzerland and Swaziland
"Why is he not enjoying the freedom he fought for?
It is true and evident that they are framing the man.
South Africa, can you be a good example
of human rights, respect? People are dying outside.
Why are you keeping a person like Mzwakhe in prison for nothing?
Mzwakhe, he is sent by God
to make people to be aware of daily challenges.
I am working in Geneva, Switzerland
for Lutheran World Federation.
I am a Swazi citizen belonging to mitten
community on way to oohs border.
Peace to you."

Moela Emmanuel
"Is it this the unfairness of life, or law?
Judges, please do not be unfair, because if justice
was to be done, Mzwakhe would never have been incarcerated,
so allow justice to prevail.
The ambassador, the master, is people's poet Mzwakhe Mbuli.
He has been falsely accused of something he did not do,
but the rejoicing day shall come, so be the man, Mzwakhe
and remember that 'nothing lasts forever.' I love you!!"

S.M. Maninjwa
"By arresting you,
they are making a legend out of you.
Long live Mzwakhe!"

Ntisikelelo Godobo
"Ukuba ngaba uMzwakhe unetyala kutheni lento
ityala lakhe lisemfihlakalweni.
Ikhona into engalunganga. Akanatyala myekeni."

Olefile Elias
Botswana
"I believe that Mzwakhe was framed
for his straight talking--but he will be back."

Joseph Balosang
University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana

Elisabeth Smith
Vancouver, Canada

Delinda LaChapelle
Vancouver, Canada

Mattis Hahn
Berlin, Germany
"Freedom for Mzwakhe Mbuli!"

Timothy Smart
"Please free Mzwakhe!"

Mkuleko Hikwa
"Mzwakhe ka Mbuli, it is darkest just before dawn.
I wish 2002 brings your freedom, victory and happiness in your life.
I see your release as unstoppable, and nearing."

Jah-freei
Gaborone, Botswana

Andile Nebulane
"What do the black people in power think about the people's poet?
Or is this what we call justice in this new South Africa?
Do those who were praised by him while they were in in prison
not give a damn now, just because they are out of prison--
while Mzwakhe is in prison?
I don't want to go too far--let me stop...
But the last question is---don't we have
sympathy any more in South Africa?
I'll always remember you, Mzwakhe!
To the Mbuli family: Be strong!"

Dr. Thabisile Sibisi
"I was shocked by the news of Mbuli's arrest.
Even today, I do not know the whole story.
No one seem to care about what happens to him.
If he is guilty or not, maximum security prison
is a bit far-fetched for South African systems.
Why aren't Yengeni and his company who abused 40 billion rand for
arms deals arrested and given life sentences under the same conditions?
They stole money from taxpayers for their own gain!
I live in Europe and do not dream of going back to South Africa
for such corruption and injustice.
Rapists of two-year-olds get six months. What is this?
ANC has failed, people with passion like Mandela are no longer there.
The country is a shame; the rand is down.
Even an idiot will never plan robbing a bank for R15000!
We have to be serious. This is no joke!
It's apartheid under black rule!"

Stanley Lodewyk, South Africa
"Your spirit remains in mine.
Your sentences remain in my spirit.
I have a dream: to see you in person once again.
Hala Hala Mzwakhe!"

Stanley P. Letsoko
South Africa
"How could you be so obtuse
so as to keep an innocent man in jail
for the crime that we all know he did not commit?"

Parthenia M. Hicks
California, USA
"Prayers for Mzwakhe and for those
who shamefully dishonor him
and what he represents as the people's poet."

Lillia Chaabouni, student
Toulon, France
" Location: Toulon, France. Student
While surfing on sites dedicated to South Africa
for my thesis on Miriam Tlali, I was shocked and disgusted
to discover the gratuitous putting in jail of the poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli.
It is horrible and cowardly to censor physically a person for his writing!!!
How can a government in the 21st century
still dare putting people in jail because they write?
I had not thought that having fought against apartheid and telling in poetry
what everyone can feel in his/her daily life as an African could lead to jail.
I do not understand a South African person put in jail
under a South African government for which he fought to contribute
like millions of other Africans. Please, don't do that!
Don't put in jail someone because he is a freedom fighter writer!
You can't act like that, for otherwise you are
like former Spanish Inquisition, like Gestapo.
You are the government, which means that you have duties towards the people.
They are those who fought to create you and make you exist today!
Stop corruption in government and administration whenever, wherever it is,
but please, please, above all now free Mr. Mzwakhe Mbuli!
You do not have the right to detain him in jail!
Don't torture us more, please.
Should we ask for mercy? Then, Mercy!!
Please don't destroy a man who is the symbol of peace,
a man who is a father, a son, a brother, a husband,
a nephew, a cousin, a unique friend.
I address this to the head of the Republic of South Africa,
President Thabo Mbeki: Please free Mzwakhe Mbuli now!"

Gary Howard
"Mzwakhe is innocent!
There's nothing else to say.
Mzwakhe, the truth shall set you free!"

Amilla Mqopi-Wababa
South Africa
"I can move freely around South Africa and abroad.
I can speak what is in my mind without any fear.
My country is no longer having apartheid laws and boundaries.
Let the crocodile come out!
I promise you, there's nothing going to happen to you,
as it has a strength inside the river, but remember
one thing, crocodiles can survive both in water and on land.
For me Mzwakhe, you were more than a politician, because politicians
are thinking of the next elections, whereas you
were thinking more of the next generation...
For matter of fact, there is no point
comparing the people's poet with politicians.
Uqamat'akusikelel'akwambese ngemisebenzi yakh'emihle
nemikhulu,abakwenzel'eliyelenqe basay'kudla phantsi kwa'Mbuli
kub'utyhwala buse mbizeni. Makubenjalo!"

Susanna Kahn
New York, USA
"It is time for an innocent man to be free.
It is time for to stop governing those in government.
Mzwakhe is innocent and should be set free.
In 1993, I organized Mzwakhe's U.S. tour.
Mzwakhe is a wonderful person,
and I have faith in his strength.
We must all do what we can to ensure his freedom and safety."

Jennifer Anderson-Bahr
Corvallis, Oregon, USA
" I am a longtime fan and supporter of you and your struggle.
I was shocked and horrified when you were arrested,
and I have NEVER believed you were guilty.
You will not remember, but you once gave me a wonderful hug
after a show at the Maseru Sun in Lesotho.
I lived there for 10 years with my husband and daughter Nthabiseng.
I am presenting an African film festival at the moment,
and several people have asked me for the names
of some good South African poets/artists.
Of course, I thought of you.
I am playing your music and reading your poems and telling
people about the injustice being done to you as I write this.
Sala ka Khotso, Ntate. We are thinking of you."

Lehlohonolo
Maseru, Lesotho

Zamani Millington Mathebula
South Africa
"Mzwakhe's unjust arrest is a true definition of
justice in the South Africa. Mzwakhe is innocent."