By Johannes Selepe| mosela.selepe@ul.ac.za
Family members, comrades, and academics gathered at the University of Limpopo (UL) to honour Josephine Segana Moshobane, a revolutionary whose legacy has left an indelible mark on South African history
Speakers at the third annual Josephine Segana Moshobane Memorial Lecture, hosted by UL, highlighted the unwavering dedication of Cde Moshobane, a former student activist, to the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. They noted that her commitment remains a benchmark against which they measure their progress in making South Africa a better place for all.
Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the Limpopo Province’s first female premier, delivered a poignant keynote address that captured the essence of Moshobane’s indomitable spirit. “As we honour the memory of Cde Josephine Segana Moshobane,” Premier Ramathuba began, “we are reminded of her unyielding commitment to the cause. Her life was a testament to the power of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice.”
Moshobane tragically passed away in 1986 after being detained and subjected to unimaginable torture by apartheid security police while held in solitary confinement. Despite the relentless cruelty, her spirit remained unbroken, and she was eventually released into the custody of her uncle, the late Serepe Moshobane.
Premier Ramathuba explained that Moshobane, along with her peers at the University of the North (now UL), was at the forefront of the revolutionary wave that swept through the northern region during a time of great turmoil. These young revolutionaries, she said, were inspired by martyrs like Onkgopotse Abram Tiro, who was assassinated by a parcel bomb in Botswana after delivering a historic graduation address in the early 1970s at Turfloop. “The courage of leaders like Onkgopotse Tiro inspired Cde Jos and others to continue the fight for liberation, despite overwhelming odds,” Premier Ramathuba remarked.
One of the gestures the University of Limpopo has undertaken to preserve the legacy of the late heroine Josephine Moshobane
The Premier also paid tribute to other martyrs from UL, such as George Shope, the son of ANC veteran Mark Shope, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Njinga Sindane from Dennilton, who abandoned his studies to undergo military training abroad and later died in a firefight with the apartheid security police. “These martyrs,” she noted, “are a testament to the critical role UL played in our liberation struggle. This institution was not just a place of learning; it was a crucible of revolutionary ideas.”
This year’s memorial, held during Women’s Month, carried the theme ‘Aluta Continua: Advancing the Ideological Baton of the Revolutionary Feminist’. Premier Ramathuba used this theme to address the ongoing struggles women face, urging reflection on whether the nation is doing enough to educate and empower young girls to carry the torch of the struggle forward. “Are we leaving them to navigate this path alone?” she challenged.
Premier Ramathuba described Moshobane as a woman who defied the status quo with an unyielding spirit, paving the way for many women who now occupy leadership positions. “Through her selfless life and tireless advocacy, women today have a voice in many fronts of our government structures and institutions,” the Premier said. “But as we celebrate her legacy, we must recognise that the fight for gender equality is far from over.”
She reminded the audience that the progress seen today is built on the foundations laid by leaders like Cde Moshobane. “The journey towards true equality requires the same level of dedication and commitment that she demonstrated, even when it was not fashionable or easy,” she added.
In the same breath, Premier Ramathuba observed Women’s Month and emphasised the crucial role of educated girls in shaping the future of the nation. “The future of our nation lies in the hands of educated girls who will become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow,” she stated with conviction.
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, affirmed that the University would continue preserving Moshobane’s legacy in various ways, including the named residence in her honour. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Moshobane family for sharing your daughter with us. We are dedicated to preserving her memory in the history of our institution, ensuring future generations recognise that freedom came at a great cost.”
Yvette Moshobane expresses gratitude on behalf of the Moshobane family to the University for preserving their sister’s legacy through the memorial lecture and by naming a university residence in her honour
The Moshobane family expressed appreciation to the University for respecting their daughter and ensuring her legacy endures. Yvette Moshobane, speaking on behalf of the family, said, “It is fitting that we remember a woman of strength and courage who stood against injustice. She fought valiantly against apartheid, embodying timeless advocacy and leadership. Her story, marked by both pain and triumph, is a testament to her dedication to the freedom of others. Let us honour her legacy as someone who sacrificed her life for a greater cause.”