Albert Luthuli, the first African Nobel Laureate, was a leading figure in the anti-apartheid movement. In 1967 he was assassinated under shady circumstances as the first African Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Further reading Luthuli was appointed chief of the Umvoti Mission Reserve. He spent his life working to ensure that South Africa’s Black majority had the same rights as all other citizens. His untimely death continues to generate passionate discussion and conspiracy theory. This new interest dramatically increased following the Pietermaritzburg High Court’s reopening of an inquest into the massacre last May. The court will return this October to determine the cause of his death. From the beginning, independent experts have questioned the official story, causing firestorm public scrutiny.
Luthuli’s legacy is inextricably linked to his formative experiences. Through shrewd administrative maneuvering, he met the needs of approximately 5,000 Zulu people in the Umvoti Mission Reserve. This reserve was the first of its kind, created in 1844 by American missionary Reverend Aldin Grout. Luthuli’s fire for education roused during his time at Ohlange Institute. It’s fitting that this high school was founded by John Dube, the first president of the African National Congress (ANC). This educational bedrock would eventually see him through to graduating from Edendale with a teaching diploma.
In his early career, Luthuli accepted a position as principal and sole employee of a small Blacks-only intermediate school in Blaauwbosch. It was during this time that his deepening Christian faith blossomed through the discipleship of a local church pastor. He continued his work as an activist through non-violence and social justice. This commitment led to him being heralded as the indispensable ally in the struggle against apartheid.
A Life Dedicated to Non-Violence
A leader of extraordinary vision and moral authority, Albert Luthuli’s commitment to non-violence defined his leadership even in the darkest hours of South Africa’s violent past. He emerged as an even more important leader in the ANC, promoting nonviolent civil resistance to the apartheid state. His commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle deepened especially following the Sharpeville Massacre on March 21, 1960. On that day, police shot into a nonviolent march, murdering 69 unarmed individuals.
In fact, at the time of the tragedy occurring, Luthuli was giving official testimony in a court of law, regarding the ANC’s dedication to a non-violent struggle. Because the massacre ignited a wave of anti-apartheid sentiments, both nationally and globally. This event only solidified Luthuli’s image as a leader committed to pursuing change through peaceful protest.
In honor of his nonviolent struggle against apartheid, Luthuli was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1960. The award celebrated his unwavering dedication to non-violence in the face of systemic oppression and violent white supremacy. This historic accolade further affirmed his understanding that nonviolent protest could help achieve true change in South Africa.
“You have stood amid persecution, abuse, and oppression with a dignity and calmness of spirit seldom paralleled in human history. One day all of Africa will be proud of your achievements.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
The Events Surrounding His Death
Forty-five years since Albert Luthuli’s death on July 21, 1967, event has fueled much theory and speculation. Official documentation ruled his death a train-related fatality. This sad story came about when he had to cross a train track close to his house in Groutville. Many have challenged this version of the story, giving rise to conspiracy theories that some nefarious actor orchestrated her death.
The recent reopening of an inquest into his death has brought these conspiracy theories back into the limelight. Even still, experts have raised doubts about the testimonies of those who witnessed Luthuli’s death. Brenden Burgess, an expert testifying at the inquest, stated that “the possibility of an accident scenario occurring as described by Mr. Lategan is highly unlikely,” indicating serious doubts about the circumstances surrounding Luthuli’s demise.
Lesley Charles Labuschagne claimed that members of the squad killed Luthuli. • After killing him, they put his body on the railway track to make it look like a train had run over him. These claims have led to calls for an independent, more thorough investigation. Most of his countrymen suspect that this was really a politically motivated assassination.
A Relationship with Nelson Mandela
Albert Luthuli’s mentorship of a young Nelson Mandela was just one of many ways that Luthuli’s leadership inspired and architected South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. The two shared mutual respect and admiration for each other’s contributions to the struggle for racial equality in South Africa. At key junctures in their struggle against oppression, Mandela usually looked to Luthuli for guidance.
In August 1962, Mandela went to visit Luthuli to brief him on military training he had received in other African countries. Mandela in disguise as a chauffeur for playwright Cecil Williams. He made the most of this opportunity to deliberate with Luthuli on tactics for breaking down apartheid. His conversations with them had a profound effect on Mandela’s future actions and decisions when he was underground before his arrest.
These early communications with Luthuli would be a seed for Mandela’s long-term imprisonment of 27 years. Together, they forged an inspirational dream of a democratic and free South Africa.
“I took it for granted that I would spend my days quietly, as a teacher.” – Albert Luthuli
