The struggle for democratic education had already begun in the early part of the 20th century with people like Z.K. Matthews, long before 1976 or the school boycotts in the early 1980s. In his early teens, Z.K. Matthews questioned many imbalances in education. He also disagreed with many teachers of his time who believed that whites were naturally more clever than blacks. As a young teacher, he had a dream that improved African education would better equip black people to fight for their political rights, and throughout his life as an educator, he worked to fulfil this dream. In fact, many of his students went on to become influential political leaders. Z.K. himself became a respected leader in the ANC, and gave the organisation the idea of the Freedom Charter. Z.K. Matthews' story will serve as inspiration to many young people who have come to realise the value of education. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

Born in England, Helen Joseph came to South Africa via India when she was 26. Living a privileged life did not stop Helen from questioning racism and inequalities in her adopted country. It was only in her forties when she began working actively to bring about political change. Helen played key roles in the Congress of Democrats, Federation of South African Women, UDF and ANC. Charged with treason in the 1950s and one of the leaders of the march by women in 1956, the "granny" of the struggle had the dubious honour of being the first South African placed under house arrest. Undeterred by bannings, she constantly challenged her opponents and still had the time to form strong friendships with activists such as Lilian Ngoyi and David Webster. When asked why she continued to fight against apartheid, Helen replied, 'It makes me more rich than anybody I can think of.' This book shares those riches with a generation of readers who now live in a democracy that Helen herself did not live to see. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

Born in Zambia, of South African parents, David Webster grew up without questioning the privileged position he enjoyed in society. All this changed when he went to university in South Africa and decided to study anthropology. David began to look at things around him with new eyes. David became a respected academic in the field of social anthropology and played a key role in bringing about change in South Africa. He became an authority on the apartheid government's use of repression and "death squads" to counter the anti-apartheid movement. Also known for his kindness, caring and humility, and for his love of music and soccer, David was described as a person who "tried to convince people by smiling rather than spitting at them". David Webster was gunned down in front of his house by masked gunmen on 1 May 1989. At the time of publication, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's investigation into David's death had resulted in his suspected killer being arrested and charged with murder. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

Just over one hundred years ago, a young lawyer arrived in South Africa from India to do some legal work. He planned to complete his work and return to his family and friends in India. But Mohandas Gandhi soon saw and experienced for himself injustices in the country. He decided to stay and fight the government's cruel race laws. Later, he returned to India and played and important role in its struggle for independence. Today, Gandhi's "passive resistance" method of protest is known throughout the world - and is used by many who believe in non-violence as one of the ways of fighting for their rights. Gandhi's fight against racial and social injustice in South Africa as told by his granddaughter, Ela Gandhi, began a momentum that inspired many political organisations opposed to this country's racial laws. His legacy will continue to inspire people in their fight against all forms of oppression. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

This child will be called Rolihlahla', said his father when he first saw the boy. The name means "pulling the branch off the tree" but can be translated to mean "troublemaker". This book traces the life of Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa. It tells the story of his selfless dedication to the struggle against apartheid and the hardships he faced during 27 years of imprisonment. Following his release from prison, Mandela's address to the nation began with these words: `Friends, Comrades and fellow South Africans. I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all . . .' Mandela's firm belief in negotiation led to the birth of a democratic South Africa. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history. Benefiting the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

In the biggest stayaway ever in South Africa, hundreds of thousands of people mourned the assassination of Chris Hani in April 1993. He was the first liberation movement leader to be buried with full military honours. But Chris Hani will not be remembered simply because he was a brave soldier and a popular leader. He was also a warm individual who showed concern for others, and was loved and respected by those who knew him. This book pays tribute to Chris Hani: the man of learning, the soldier, the individual. In Nelson Mandela's words, 'He was a fighter for peace, freedom and justice. Above all, he was a lover of the poor, the workers and the rural masses. He was a true son of the soil.' They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

In the 1940s, the ANC's Youth League transformed the organisation into a defiant, mass-based force that fought for freedom. Oliver Tambo was a prominent member of that Youth League, but his most important role was still to come. In 1960, the South African Government banned the ANC. Tambo was appointed to continue the ANC's fight - from outside the country. During this time, he helped strengthen the ANC's organisation and assisted in establishing underground structures inside the country. He brought the struggle for liberation in South Africa to the attention of the rest of the world and, in doing so, won the admiration and the support of all those with whom he made contact. Thirty years later, Tambo returned to his motherland and handed the ANC back to the people, intact and triumphant. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.

In the 1940s, Dora Tamana ran a day-care centre for children in a shack in Cape Town. She had no money for pencils and paper, but by writing words in the sand with a stick, she taught the children to read and write. This was only a small part of Dora's work. To improve the living conditions of her people, she organised demonstrations, planned campaigns against racism and distributed political newspapers. She was also a leading member of the SACP, ANC and a founder member of the Federation of South African Women. Dora was banned and jailed for her political work, but her beliefs have taken hold in South Africa's new democracy. Dora Tamana died in 1983. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.