Mzwakhe Mbuli deserves a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON which he requires to resume his international career as a performing artist. A hero of South Africa's movement for justice and a veteran of the Soweto Youth Uprising, he is a world-renowned musician and the beloved "People's Poet" of South Africa and a person widely known for strong moral character. He has been hounded by oppressors since the apartheid era.

The world was shocked when Mbuli was arrested in 1997 under circumstances widely viewed as suspect. Mbuli, who has national hero status and millions of fans in South Africa and whose CDs go platinum, was accused of robbing a bank of less money than he makes in one performance, undisguised and in broad daylight. He was denied bail although he had no prior criminal record and was tried and found guilty as though South Africa was still under apartheid.

While Mbuli was incarcerated, a former apartheid security police officer, Kobus Klopper, received amnesty from the TRC after confessing that apartheid security police planted contraband in Mbuli's home and that orders were issued from the high command office to "Remove Mbuli from society, to neutralise his political influence". Amnesty was granted the officer for confession of security police crimes against Mbuli in connection with official efforts under apartheid to falsely incriminate Mbuli in circumstances mirroring a 1997 charge also alleging similar contraband. Police failed to produce the item at time of trial, and the charge was dropped.

Despite "witness" tampering, lack of evidence, and suicide of one of Mbuli's arresting officers the night before his court date, the robbery conviction stood and was not overturned in an appeal process that was exhausted. After serving 2,222 days for a crime he never committed, Mzwakhe Mbuli was finally freed. His freedom to travel internationally as a performing artist and to live his life in well-deserved peace and prosperity will remain unjustly restricted until he receives a Presidential Pardon.

Please publicise this case and send respectful letters to South Africa's President Jacob Zuma requesting executive clemency for Mzwakhe Mbuli.

 

"Each nation gives life to democracy in its own way, and in line with its own traditions. But history offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable, and more successful than governments that do not. This is about more than holding elections - it's also about what happens between them. Repression takes many forms, and too many nations are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty. No country is going to create wealth if its leaders exploit the economy to enrich themselves, or police can be bought off by drug traffickers.. ..No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy, that is tyranny, and now is the time for it to end. In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success - strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples' lives."

-- from speech given by BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, in Accra, to the Ghanaian Parliament on 11 July 2009.

(Note: Barack and Michelle Obama have
personally inscribed copies
of Mzwakhe Mbuli's Tribute to Mandela CD.)

 

Nelson Mandela recently celebrated his 91st birthday. Madiba (Long Walk to Freedom) is an emotional tribute to the world leader and the centerpiece of Mbuli's Tribute to Mandela album on EMI. Mbuli performed Madiba before a crowd of 50,000 at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria when the ANC celebrated Mandela's 90th birthday, much to Mandela's delight.

Commented Mbuli, "I wanted to immortalize Madiba's name, his contribution and his legacy - and know no better way to do that than through a song". And not just any song: Madiba (Long Walk To Freedom) is vintage Mbuli, featuring a choir of 100 children, increasing the emotion of the song which combines lyrics that instantly captivate with an unforgettable melody. Both Madiba and the album were produced by the legendary "Chicco" Twala.

"There is no other leader on earth who has been celebrated as much as Madiba and I wanted to add my voice to that chorus", explained Mbuli - a former struggle veteran himself. "As we celebrate Madiba's birthday, it is time to reflect on his extraordinary life and also pause to think how different the world would be if he had not come out of prison old. The fact is that so significant is his contribution that no one would argue if Nelson Mandela was elected president of the world today!"

Alongside Madiba (Long Walk To Freedom), Mbuli's Tribute to Mandela album features nine other tracks that showcase his unique talent. Mbuli wrote Afrophobia several months before outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, but it is a prescient reminder of why Africans should never be considered foreigners anywhere on the continent of Africa. The album additionally features three Gospel songs and one that deals directly with racism.

Mzwakhe's God The Best was nominated for Best Song at the 2008 SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards.
Mzwakhe said that in the twelve albums he has released, he has given honour, reverence and respect to God for what He has done for him.
"God has given me talent to sing, and I will use it wisely".
In September 2008 the Kwazulu/Natal Arts, Culture and Tourism Department presented Mzwakhe Mbuli with another Heritage Award.

Contact us at mzwakhe4u@aol.com or +1 6 17 876 3169 (USA)
If you do not get a prompt response, please repeat contact until you are successful.
Best times to call are evenings and weekends, Eastern Time.
Mzwakhe may also be contacted at mzwakhe4u@aol.com
Please list www.mzwakhe.org if you use our material so
that others can learn about Mzwakhe Mbuli.

Mzwakhe still needs a PRESIDENTIAL PARDON to travel
Write to President Jacob Zuma at president@po.gov.za requesting a pardon

MESSAGE FROM MZWAKHE:

"I warmly welcome the website visitor count.. ..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 nokumhlo".

(Editor's note: The website count surpassed 100,000 visits in August 2009. Mzwakhe's comment was made when the count was 60,000 visits.)

"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's article in The Village Voice on parole for Mzwakhe in 2003.

We have achieved partial victory, but our struggle for justice is not over.
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, Jacob Zuma
by e-mail to: president@po.gov.za and
SEND US A COPY by e-mail at mzwakhe4u@aol.com
Contact: Dorothy Flynn, Campaign for Release of Mzwakhe Mbuli
telephone: +1 617 876 3169 (USA)
If you do not get a response, please repeat contact.
Best times to call: evenings and weekends, Eastern time.
postal mail: 812 Memorial Drive, Suite 505-A, Cambridge MA 02139 USA
 CHECK THIS SITE FOR MORE NEWS
VIVA MZWAKHE VIVA!

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDEED!

Mzwakhe Mbuli was temporarily released by Correctional Services to celebrate his August 1 birthday in 2003. 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 his 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

Send e-mail messages for Mzwakhe to mzwakhe4u@aol.com
See 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

MANDELA VISIT

 
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 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

JUSTICE DENIED
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.

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.

MZWAKHE THANKS EVERYONE
FOR THE ONGOING SUPPORT AND PRAYERS

Access MORE information below and from menu on left
See how the people have expressed their views on Mzwakhe's treatment on the online Petition of Support:

"As I contemplate the injustice of heartless men,
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

"If Nelson Mandela and the rest made the long walk to freedom
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

"Dearest brother of the soil, we haven't forgotten about you.
UMvelinqangi, UMdali wezinto zonke.
Don't give up--aluta continua."
--Fundi Mohajane-Ngubane, The Hague, Holland

"Mr. Mbuli, you are not alone--the nation is watching in silence.
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

"Mzwakhe, thank you for speaking for the voiceless in 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

"Stop punishing people that gave you the vote.
You know he is innocent!
Has justice collapsed?
Government, come on!
It is a disgrace!"
--Joop Bersee, South Africa

"Please, God--have mercy on the people's poet.
Free him! We know you can do that, as you have liberated
African countries from the oppressors..."
--Kopano Stan Lee Matlhare, Jwaneng, Botswana

"NO MORE POLITICAL PRISONERS
IN FREE SOUTH AFRICA!"
--Verónica Pereyra, México

"I appeal to the government to release Mzwakhe unconditionally.
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

"All of a sudden the head of our family is gone with apartheid.
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

"We can't declare him persona non grata
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

"Keeping Mzwakhe in prison cannot combat crime in South Africa!
Release him, before the ship wrecks into the Sea of Sorrow!"
--Lekgothoane Kholofelo Ronny, South Africa

"There is no doubt in my mind that Mzwakhe is innocent of
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

MESSAGE FROM MZWAKHE MBULI
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."

CAMPAIGN FOR RELEASE OF MZWAKHE MBULI

We welcome your interest, participation, ideas, and help!
contact: Dorothy Flynn
telephone: 1 617 876 3169
e-mail for campaign: campaign@mzwakhe.org
postal mail: 812 Memorial Drive, Suite 505-A, Cambridge, MA, USA 02139
Telephone 1 617 876 3169
Please repeat contact if you do not get a response.
Best times to call: evenings and weekends, Eastern time

"The question that begs answers is:
WHO BENEFITTED 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

A JUDGE JUDGES THE JUDGES
"...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

FREE MZWAKHE MBULI-
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

LONG-AWAITED PRETORIA AND BLOEMFONTEIN APPEALS
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)

 

WE CANNOT REST UNTIL MZWAKHE IS FREE
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.

 

SECURITY POLICE OFFICER KLOPPER REVEALS
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:
FIRST SOUTH AFRICAN MUSICIAN SPEAKS OUT

"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?

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.

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."

VISIT THE PETITION OF SUPPORT ON THIS SITE.
See what many others have to say.
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.

FREE MZWAKHE MBULI
HE IS INNOCENT
HIS UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT
IS STRONGER THAN EVER

Write to Mzwakhe at mzwakhe4u@aol.com
Contact the Campaign for Release of Mzwakhe Mbuli
e-mail: campaign@mzwakhe.org
telephone: 1 617 876 3169
Please repeat contact if you do not get a response
Best times to call: evenings and weekends, Eastern time
postal mail: 812 Memorial Drive, Suite 505-A, 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

A PETITION OF SUPPORT is on this site

VICTORY AT RANDBURG COURT
ACQUITTAL ON NEW CHARGES

VIVA MZWAKHE, VIVA!

Mzwakhe Mbuli was tried May 18, 1999 for 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 visit the Petition.

 
Mzwakhe Mbuli was framed through corruption and has experienced it while incarcerated since 1997. 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.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL MONITORS
MZWAKHE MBULI'S SITUATION CLOSELY
CHECK HERE FOR LATEST NEWS
THANK YOU FOR VISITING

Download a (free) QUICKTIME video player to view video.
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.

Please take a few moments from your busy schedule
to read our online Petition to Support Mzwakhe Mbuli and read the tributes and pleas of the people
and also to WRITE TO PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA at president@anc.org.za,
asking for EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY FOR MZWAKHE MBULI

Please send any letters to us at mzwakhe4u@aol.com.
We will make sure Mzwakhe knows of your support,
which is critically important and very much appreciated.

ALL HITS, ALL THE TIME
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, went gold a few months after its release, and it includes 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, went Platinum, and he has a newer gospel album, Mzwakhe's Gospel Greats. Shortly after his release from prison, he released All The Hits which made many fans happy who had been looking for material from albums that were no longer available. The CDs Thunder and Mbulism continued Mzwakhe's tradition of oral poetry and Mzwakhe addresses a wide range of topics and displays skills as an educator as well as a musician. The Voice of Reason is both a CD and the title of a DVD that includes music video classics, videos of the material on The Voice of Reason and several interviews with Mzwkahe that were done shortly after his release from prison. Mzwakhe's latest release, Tribute to Mandela, is considered a masterpiece and was a collaboration of the creative genius of both Mzwakhe Mbuli and producer/musician Chicco Twala. The title track features a choir of 100 children, and Mzwakhe performed the song for Madiba on the occasion of his 90th birthday before a huge crowd at Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. Only Mzwakhe Mbuli could include in one album a monumental tribute to Nelson Mandela, rousing dance music, gospel, and poetry dealing with issues like racism and xenophobia. Recordings of Mzwakhe Mbuli are available internationally and online.

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