Arrested in 1997 under circumstances widely viewed as suspect and tried and found guilty as though South Africa was still under apartheid, Mzwakhe Mbuli was finally freed after serving 2,222 days for a crime he never committed.
VIVA MZWAKHE VIVA
Contact us at campaign@mzwakhe.org or +1 617 876 3169 (USA)
"I warmly welcome the website visitor count, which is over 50,000! Once again, I extend my most profound appreciation, sincere thanks and volumes of love. Every person who has visited my website deserves a gold medal. My moment of glory shall dawn. Okuhle nokumhlope."
CHECK THIS SITE FOR LATEST NEWS
A HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDEED!
Send e-mail messages for Mzwakhe to mzwakhe@mzwakhe.org
MANDELA VISIT
JUSTICE DENIED
His spirit has always been free.
He will require a pardon to travel freely to some areas.
Please publicize this case and write to President Thabo Mbeki
asking for executive clemency for this beloved artist.
Contact Mzwakhe at mzwakhe@mzwakhe.org
Please list www.mzwakhe.org if you use our material
so others can learn about Mzwakhe Mbuli.
Visit Mzwakhe Mbuli Global Village Chat
Sign the Petition of Support
Mzwakhe still needs a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON to travel
Write to President Mbeki at president@po.gov.za
requesting a pardon
MESSAGE FROM MZWAKHE:
"Freedom is a state of remembrance
of who you were as a spiritual being.
True freedom can only be attained if we're able
to travel back to the source of all creation.
They can incarcerate your physical being but
your spiritual twin is forever free!
Aluta-Nevertheless-Continua!"
--Zindzi Mandela, South Africa
Read Robert Christgau article in The Village Voice
Visit
Mzwakhe Mbuli Global Village Chat at www.mzwakhe.org/chat
We have partial victory in our struggle for justice:
Mzwakhe Mbuli was released on Correctional Supervision.
We are deeply grateful to all who have supported Mzwakhe and
grateful to God for His love, protection and intolerance of evil.
Equally important for Mzwakhe, given the seriousness of
the charges for which he was wrongly convicted and given
the world situation now, is a Presidential PARDON to clear
Mzwakhe of charges and also to enable him to travel.
SEND RESPECTFUL LETTERS REQUESTING A PARDON
to South Africa's President, Thabo Mbeki
by e-mail to: president@po.gov.za and
SEND US A COPY by e-mail at campaign@mzwakhe.org
Contact: Dorothy Flynn, Campaign for Release of Mzwakhe Mbuli
telephone: +1 617 876 3169 (USA)
postal mail: P.O. Box 390058, Cambridge MA 02139 USA
VIVA MZWAKHE VIVA!
Mzwakhe Mbuli was temporarily released by Correctional Services to celebrate his August 1 2003 birthday. He was feted by his EMI Records recording label at EMI studios where Themba Maseko of South Africa's City Press caught this picture with kwaito star Arthur Mafokate. Mzwakhe later had tea with supporter Helen Suzman at her home and saw others during the day including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who said of the son of the soil: "I feel renewed and recharged upon seeing this great son of the soil. After all, Mbuli is one of our jewels, a man we are all proud of."
Mzwakhe jointly celebrated his birthday and the same-day birthday of daughter Thandeka at home with family and was returned to Leeukwop Prison at the end of the weekend.
Mzwakhe, you with the heart of love
That gives and keeps on giving
You who fight the war for change with your poetry
You who burn the way for progress even behind bars
You burn even brighter when others fade
You continue to set the pace and draw the map of life
We follow in your footsteps and
Draw strength from the shadow of your passion
Arise and shine, for the Nation is waiting for you
People's poet, double "M," we salute you, son of Mbuli
With kind regards on Heritage Day
Dumisani Zono, Rhodes, South Africa
Visit
Global Village Chat at www.mzwakhe.org/chat
Join the multitudes who have signed
the online Petition of Support
ISIKHATHI SIYA MANJE MANJE!
"When our hero is behind the bars,
how can we celebrate Freedom Day,
when the meaning is different?
The days have dawned, and our hero is incarcerated.
'The people shall govern' was the road to freedom,
but our people are still oppressed...
Mzwakhe is now buried in a shallow grave.
He was married to the struggle for our freedom.
Our President, now is the time!
Do something before it's too late!
Mzwakhe is the song for dying youth of South Africa.
Mzwakhe is the song for the bombing of the Boeremag."
--Dumisani Zono, young poet, Grahamstown, South Africa
As Saint Molakeng reported in the July 31, 2002 issue of The Sowetan in South Africa, former President Nelson Mandela gave Mzwakhe Mbuli a surprise early birthday present when he visited him July 30 at Leeuwkop Prison and gave him a basket of fruit. Mandela's spokesperson Zelda La Grange confirmed the visit, telling The Sowetan, "Madiba, who was jailed for 27 years, knows how lonely one gets behind bars. The former President considers Mbuli an old friend who consistently supported him inside and outside of prison. The two men share a history of struggle against apartheid that's formed a special bond between them. There was a warmth to their togetherness." A prison source indicated Mzwakhe was "overwhelmed at the surprise visit." La Grange indicated the men discussed many issues, but that the content of their conversation was "privileged."
"After winning the elections for the second time,
President Mbeki said,"The people have spoken."
My message is: THE PEOPLE HAVE NOW SPOKEN--
PLEASE RELEASE COMRADE MZWAKHE MBULI!"
--Phuti Kgadima, University of the North, South Africa
SABC reported that the Supreme Court of Appeals neglected to overturn Mzwakhe's 1999 wrongful conviction on circumstantial "evidence"
for allegedly robbing a Pretoria bank for a small sum, unmasked, in broad daylight. The Court overturned the wrongful conviction for possession of a hand grenade, as Mzwakhe has never been linked
to such items--unlike the South African Police, who have planted grenades in Mzwakhe's home in the past. Police planting of grenades was admitted by a former Security Police officer applying for
amnesty from the TRC. The Court made no allowance for 18 months served prior to trial in horrible conditions, further pointing to conspiracy in this case. Helen Suzman, the most visible of Mbuli's many steadfast supporters,
expressed dissatisfaction, as reported by SABC.
You may sign the online Petition now.
MZWAKHE THANKS EVERYONE
Access MORE information below and from menu on left
"As I contemplate the injustice of heartless men,
"If Nelson Mandela and the rest made the long walk to freedom
"Dearest brother of the soil, we haven't forgotten about you.
"Mr. Mbuli, you are not alone--the nation is watching in silence.
"Mzwakhe, thank you for speaking for the voiceless in Africa.
"Stop punishing people that gave you the vote.
"Please, God--have mercy on the people's poet.
"NO MORE POLITICAL PRISONERS
"I appeal to the government to release Mzwakhe unconditionally.
"All of a sudden the head of our family is gone with apartheid.
"We can't declare him persona non grata
"Keeping Mzwakhe in prison cannot combat crime in South Africa!
"There is no doubt in my mind that Mzwakhe is innocent of
CAMPAIGN FOR RELEASE OF MZWAKHE MBULI
Please express your views to the government of South Africa!
"The question that begs answers is:
A JUDGE JUDGES THE JUDGES
JUSTICE ON TRIAL IN SOUTH AFRICA
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI
WE CANNOT REST UNTIL MZWAKHE IS FREE
You may also sign by e-mail to petition@mzwakhe.org
Due to high volume of petition signing, posting takes a few days.
If you have sent mail and have not heard from us, let us know.
Our mail and messages are sometimes stolen by Internet hijackers.
Beware: enemies send computer viruses in e-mail attachments.
They sometimes even use our e-mail addresses as "sender."
WE DON'T ATTACH FILES TO E-MAIL; DON'T OPEN FILES.
FOR THE ONGOING SUPPORT AND PRAYERS
Join others voicing their views on Mzwakhe's treatment
a dream emerges in my mind. With hope and faith,
I can see the People's Poet out of jail before dawn.
Police pushed forward by people who made him to be arrested,
and the prison gates will be flung wide open.
Some people will cry, and the obvious majority will rejoice.
How I long for the day when Mbuli will address his people in style..."
--Gcina, UNISWA student, South Africa
during those turbulent and deplorable years of our journey,
and justice prevailed for them, why are our courts now hesitant
to grant Mbuli's appeal, when the light and promises of democracy
are slowly but surely approaching the noonday?"
--Daniel Tsotetsi, South Africa
UMvelinqangi, UMdali wezinto zonke.
Don't give up--aluta continua."
--Fundi Mohajane-Ngubane, The Hague, Holland
Many people do not have coins to call you,
let alone access to telephone, newspapers and computers.
You know that you are a hero of the poor,
and the poor are the ones who now do not have access to you.
Where is Pretoria for poor Africans living in townships
in Cape Town, in Port Elizabeth, in East London,
in Umtata, in KwaZulu Natal--and yes, even in Gauteng townships?
Truth must be told as it is--we are still poor and destitute.
Mr. Mbuli, you are missed in the airwaves (radio and TV alike)
let alone at stadia on big events. Let me quote you:
"No oppressive regime can press over a hot lid of a boiling pot forever."
You will come out of prison and continue where you left off.
At least, we are glad that you are alive."
--Ndumiso, law student, University of Fort Hare, South Africa
Many people all over the world are rooting for you!
We look forward to your release, so you can
lead us through your music. Don't give up!"
--Mzilikazi Ndlovu, The African Summit, radio CKUW 95.9, Canada
You know he is innocent!
Has justice collapsed?
Government, come on!
It is a disgrace!"
--Joop Bersee, South Africa
Free him! We know you can do that, as you have liberated
African countries from the oppressors..."
--Kopano Stan Lee Matlhare, Jwaneng, Botswana
IN FREE SOUTH AFRICA!"
--Verónica Pereyra, México
Mzwakhe has played an important part in shaping this country.
Some of us are politically minded because of Mzwakhe.
He kept the fire burning during dark days,
when the ANC, PAC and other organizations were banned.
Let Mzwakhe be freed to continue educating people!"
--Frans Kometsane Kekana, South Africa
He was just trying to free the world from apartheid.
What is possibly wrong about that?
Please, his family and the nation need him.
Be brave, big brother--they know you are innocent.
They are just acting ignorant and stubborn.
One day, you will be free, and the truth will come out.
The nation loves you--especially your family."
--Yolisa Ndidikazi Mbuli, sister, Sterkspruit, South Africa
in our garden of poetry, for he is a rose.
His fragrance is our comfort.
In his absence our freedom is throttled.
Free our strength, our smile and pride!
How come you fear him?
In Botswana, we love you all!
This is my black tear in seek of justice,
this is my poem of anger in seek of sanity.
Why are you going against the son of man?
Why this conspiracy?
Where is the spirit of ubuntu, MaAfrika?
--Faith Bazooka Lesedi, Botswana
Release him, before the ship wrecks into the Sea of Sorrow!"
--Lekgothoane Kholofelo Ronny, South Africa
the charges and should never have been convicted or sentenced.
The process to date makes a sham of South Africa's justice system..."
--The Rev. Tom Anthony, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
FROM LEEUWKOP PRISON, SOUTH AFRICA:
"Now that visits to my website have passed the 20,000 visitor milestone, I can at last acknowledge the many thousands of people who have walked this way, as well as the multitudes who have signed my online Petition of Support. I am greatly humbled by your generosity of spirit. Your messages of allegiance and support have been my source of strength and inspiration. From the deepest recesses of my being, I thank you all, and I give thanks also to my Creator for His endless wonders."
We welcome your interest, participation, ideas, and help!
contact: Dorothy Flynn
telephone: 1 617 876 3169
mail for campaign: campaign@mzwakhe.org and
PO Box 390058, Cambridge, MA, USA 02139
mail for Mzwakhe: mzwakhe@mzwakhe.org and
Leeuwkop Medium Security "C" Prison Command
Private Mail Bag x2, Bryanston, South Africa 2021
PLEASE SEND LETTERS TO
PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI
FORMER PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA
THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
WHO IS BENEFITING
FROM MZWAKHE MBULI'S INCARCERATION?
If South Africa is indeed a country
that upholds a culture of human rights,
this should also be demonstrated in Mbuli's case..."
--Professor Thapelo Selepe, from the Petition of Support
"...As a judge who proudly holds office under the Constitution
of the Republic of South Africa, I am nevertheless party to
the injustices that still exist in our society, and my role in
the enforcement of a system that contains injustices necessarily
makes me complicit in them. We run the risk in looking back
at apartheid, of adopting an inappropriately complacent view
of our present social order and of the legal system that upholds and
enforces it. The transition to democracy has not created nationwide
justice in our country. Judges still participate in a system
which, in many diverse and complex respects, perpetuates injustice..."
--Judge Edwin Cameron, Chief Justice,
Constitutional Court of South Africa, former
Professor of Law, University of Witwatersrand,
submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
published in Judging the Judges, Judging Ourselves--
Truth, Reconciliation and the Apartheid Legal Order,
Professor David Dyzenhaus, author
"What is at stake in the Mzwakhe Mbuli case, with its
heavy political overtones, is not simply the fate of an
internationally recognized cultural icon but the very credibility
and integrity of the justice system in the new South Africa.
The country's justice system under democracy will be tried
and judged by the outcome of Mbuli's case in the
eyes of not only his own countryfolk but of the world." --the Rev. Tom Anthony, Vancouver,
in the Episcopal Church social justice publication, The Witness
HE IS INNOCENT
The truth should be told
Sooner or later the truth is exposed
The truth is told sooner or later
No matter how searing the labour pains
How loud the maternal screams
The truth belongs to the world
--Tshireletso Motlogelwa, Brisbane, Australia
on the detention of Mzwakhe Mbuli
FAILED TO BRING JUSTICE
FOR PEOPLE'S POET OF SOUTH AFRICA
SEE EYEWITNESS COURT REPORTS
CHECK HERE FOR ONGOING NEWS!
"I have confidence that he is innocent."
Helen Suzman, South Africa
(view more from Helen Suzman here)
ALUTTA CONTINUA / THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
EXPLOSIVE TRUTH AT TRC
AMNESTY COMMITTEE HEARING
 |
MZWAKHE MBULI, South African "people's poet," musician and national hero, was arrested in 1997 after criticizing police. Arrested for bank robbery and possessing a hand grenade--which police later could not produce--he was denied bail and accused of other crimes that have fallen by the wayside. He has been treated like a menace to society and detained in horrible conditions. After a bizarre trial, he was convicted in March 1999 on circumstantial evidence and given a 13-year sentence. TRC findings fuel the belief that police planted evidence and bribed witnesses. |
POLICE PLANTED "EVIDENCE"
TO FRAME MZWAKHE MBULI
| SOUTH AFRICA'S TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION [TRC] held a hearing on September 18 of its Amnesty Committee. Kobus Klopper testified regarding planting "evidence" at Mzwakhe Mbuli's home in 1988 so he could be detained without trial under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act. During apartheid the Security Police conducted a reign of terror, targeting activists, freedom fighters and many others at their discretion. Klopper applied for amnesty for his role in the framing of Mzwakhe Mbuli, who was a threat to the apartheid regime because of his poetry against oppression which was a source of inspiration to millions. The framing by police caused Mbuli to cancel a world tour, and he was wrongfully imprisoned for a total of two years, including six months in solitary confinement. Many believe Mbuli's recent imprisonment has resulted from similar actions. |
POLICE INTENT "TO REMOVE MBULI FROM SOCIETY,
TO NEUTRALIZE HIS INFLUENCE ON THE PEOPLE"
TRC GRANTS AMNESTY IN RETURN FOR DISCLOSURE
| Klopper confessed he received orders from headquarters at the Vlakplaas farm regarding planting of grenades as evidence in Mbuli's Soweto home in 1988, but he stipulated that he did not plant the grenades himself. Vlakplaas was where police committed many atrocities such as torture and even burning people alive until no evidence was left of their existence. Klopper testified the Security Police goal was "to remove Mzwakhe Mbuli from society, to neutralize his political influence." He said he did not remember other details of the events in 1988. Klopper was granted full amnesty by the Amnesty Committee of the TRC under the Truth and Reconciliation Act, which offers amnesty for acts related to apartheid in exchange for full disclosure of the truth. Mzwakhe Mbuli testified at the September 18 hearing that he was disappointed in the testimony because he did not believe Klopper had made a full disclosure. |
"DIJU" PLAATJES OF AMAMPONDO:
Mzikantu Zungula "Diju" Plaatjes, founder of South African musical group Amampondo (pictured above performing in Stockholm), is the first South African musician to speak out publicly about what has happened to Mzwakhe Mbuli. Many musicians have said they believe he is innocent, but musicians have also expressed fear of retribution or even that they will not find work in South Africa if they speak out publicly. When Plaatjes was interviewed in Toronto in August 2000 by Ron Sakolsky for The Beat magazine, he spoke frankly about Mzwakhe Mbuli. "The man is a poet, a writer and a singer. What have they jailed him for? Most of us don't understand -- the only thing we hear in the papers: 'He was caught with arms in the car.' That is all we know. To me, there is something fishy. Why all of a sudden when we have this change in South Africa, all of a sudden then a person who is a spokesperson of the people, you know, is being jailed? Why now?
Everywhere, people must not forget, and they must always pray for this man. I respect him as a friend and as a musician and as a person who has put our country on the map. They have jailed him for thirteen years. That is quite a long time for a person that we know is not a thief. He is not a robber. He is a musician. In South Africa now, we don't have a strong musicians' union which will stand up and say we want to be clear and know what is happening to our people.
Things in South Africa are so loose. You find no one is taking a stand, because everyone seems to be afraid of someone. When someone is happy enough or has earned a lot of money, then he doesn't think of the poor. That is the biggest problem that we face in our country."
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI
Write to Mzwakhe at mzwakhe@mzwakhe.org
FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN MUSICIAN SPEAKS OUT
VISIT THE PETITION OF SUPPORT ON THIS SITE.
Add your own comments and support.
See MENU on the left to access other pages.
Learn why this artist is a beloved hero for millions
and why some have wanted him silenced.
Please tell others about Mzwakhe and about this website.
HE IS INNOCENT
HIS UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT
IS STRONGER THAN EVER
Contact the Campaign for Release of Mzwakhe Mbuli
e-mail: campaign@mzwakhe.org
telephone: 1 617 876 3169
postal mail: P.O. Box 390058, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
"There seems to be a vendetta against
all of our heroes who fought against apartheid.
Is it not time that our government under the leadership
of President Thabo Mbeki takes note of this victimisation?
Thabo and your government: please, make us proud!
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
The charges against him do not have any substance.
Gains achieved in 1994 shall not be enjoyed whilst those who fought
with us and for us languish behind bars for no apparent reason!
FREE MZWAKHE MBULI!
That is the cry, from Gugelethu to Soweto..."
--from Gauteng, South Africa on the online PETITION
VICTORY AT RANDBURG COURT
ACQUITTAL ON NEW CHARGES
|
Mzwakhe Mbuli was tried May 18, 1999 additional crimes he was accused of when wrongfully arrested in October 1997. He was brought to court locked in a cage inside a heavily armored vehicle. The trial had to be rescheduled when the prosecution failed to produce witnesses, and wardens refused to obey the magistrate's order to remove leg irons from Mzwakhe. The magistrate ruled it was a clear case of mistaken identity. Mzwakhe was acquitted. All other charges brought when he was arrested were finally dropped because no viable case could be made. Please tell people about this situation, and sign the Petition. |
| President Thabo Mbeki has expressed interest in ending corruption, and he established a group to study corruption in Correctional Services. Mzwakhe Mbuli was framed through corruption and has experienced it while incarcerated since 1997. Mzwakhe therefore requested an opportunity to make his own submission on corruption. Even under democratic government in South Africa, there remains a high incidence of racism in society. In all societies where there is a high incidence of racism, it is amplified in prison where there is often also a high degree of intimidation toward inmates. Although the government of South Africa has taken steps to correct corruption and talks about ending it, South African prison conditions have taken a long time to change. Additionally, many normally existing privileges have at times arbitrarily been rescinded. Given prison conditions, removal of limited privileges has been difficult to understand and has been a further attack on human rights. |
MZWAKHE MBULI'S SITUATION CLOSELY
THANK YOU FOR VISITING
Video now on KING OF RAP and SPIRIT UNBROKEN pages, including
Mzwakhe's early poem on the South African Police, "Sis! Bayasinyanyisa!"
and a statement about Mzwakhe's refusal to censor himself.
If your computer has sound, you will hear Mzwakhe's poetry on this site.
We appreciate your patience during installation of media components.
The growth of this site is ongoing, and we invite you to come back again soon.
| This site is dedicated to liberation of Mzwakhe Mbuli, hero of South Africa's movement for justice who was framed in 1997 for crimes he did not commit. Around the world, people have been stunned when they have learned of the way he has been treated. Mzwakhe was wrongfully convicted of armed robbery of a small sum of money and possession of a hand grenade at the peak of his career and given a heavy sentence. Recent events including the TRC hearing and the Randburg acquittal are important first steps in unravelling the mess that has ensnared the man called the People's Poet. |
|
Following his arrest in 1997, while held at Pretoria Maximum Security Prison and taken for a hearing, Mzwakhe Mbuli was beaten and injured by police when he complained of tight handcuffs. A subsequent trial found the police innocent. Is this the new South Africa, where the innocent, including national heroes, are found guilty, beaten and put in prison, and the guilty go free? |
| Of course, Mzwakhe Mbuli's legions of grieving supporters have protested this injustice, because their faith in their government's dedication to truth and justice has been betrayed. The people of South Africa know that Mzwakhe, a moral leader, is innocent. Thousands of people have visited him at prison. |
|
| With notable exceptions like the Campaign Steps Up for People's Poet feature in BBC News, articles from the international alternative press such as Australia's Green Left Weekly, and South African and international community radio, much of the news about this situation has been suppressed. Fortunately, the truth can never be buried forever, and God and history will eventually secure Mzwakhe Mbuli's well-deserved status as an international hero and highly esteemed artist. |
to read and sign our online Petition to Support Mzwakhe Mbuli
and also to WRITE TO PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI at president@anc.org.za,
asking for EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY FOR MZWAKHE MBULI
and send a copy to Amnesty International at amnestyis@amnesty.org.
Please send any letters to us at campaign@mzwakhe.org.
We will make sure Mzwakhe knows of your support,
which is critically important and very much appreciated.
GOLD AND PLATINUM, EVEN FROM PRISON
| Mzwakhe's talent is too great to forget, so his albums of music and poetry have enjoyed huge success even when circumstances have prohibited their promotion. Justice Albie Sachs, another hero from the struggle against apartheid who is now serving on South Africa's Constitutional Court, commented in a National Public Radio interview in the USA that he had seen Mzwakhe Mbuli perform on the occasion of ANC leader Oliver Tambo's return from exile. Sachs said that it was phenomenal to see the crowd of 40,000 people sit silently in rapt attention, listening to Mzwakhe recite his oral poetry. Mzwakhe's early poetry was created for funerals and celebrations and political rallies. (See "People's Poet" page for more about Mzwakhe as an oral poet.)
Born Free, But Always in Chains, on EMI Records, is Mzwakhe's "greatest hits" album. It went gold a few months after its release, and it includes new material recorded from prison and material from albums such as Afrika and Unbroken Spirit that were only available in South Africa. Included are poems Mzwakhe wrote and performed on the occasions of Nelson Mandela's Inauguration and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Archbishop Desmond Tutu. For more background on Mzwakhe's early recordings, see the "Culture Hero" page by Robert Christgau, Senior Editor of The Village Voice in New York, and also the "Spirit Unbroken" page by Ron Sakolsky. Kwazulu Natal is an award-winning album which makes it abundantly clear why Mzwakhe Mbuli is a leader in South African cultural life. Mzwakhe's gospel album, uMzwakhe uBonga uJehova, recently went Platinum. Recordings of Mzwakhe Mbuli are available internationally and online at Amazon.com. |
CHECK HERE FOR ONGOING UPDATES
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION
~ Sala kahle / Stay well ~
You are visitor
to this website.
Campaign for Release of Mzwakhe Mbuli
P.O. Box 390058
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 USA
e-mail: campaign@mzwakhe.org
Telephone: 1 617 876 3169
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