I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights. They are indispensable elements in a democratic society and well worth fighting for.' Helen Suzman (1917-2009) is an example of courage and integrity. Throughout her 36-year career in Parliament, she stood up for what she believed was right, campaigning fearlessly against laws such as the Immorality Act, Forced Removals, the Pass Laws and the Death Penalty. By raising critical issues that would have been kept from the public, she gave a voice to those who had been silenced. Her actions went beyond the walls of Parliament too. She visited prisoners, including Nelson Mandela; met with activists, like Oliver Tambo; and sympathised with ordinary people suffering under the laws of apartheid. Read about Suzman's life of determination, wit and honesty, and how she earned the trust of the country and the respect of the world. 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. Endorsed by the Helen Suzman Foundation

There's an old Kikuyu proverb that goes - "No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come." We have been through a very dark night, ... but the actions of our people show us that we are forcing the sun to rise.' Trevor Manuel spoke these powerful words in 1989 just before the collapse of apartheid. He had spent the decade as a community leader, freedom fighter and political activist, and now he and his comrades were about to lead the final onslaught against injustice in South Africa. This book tells the story of Trevor Manuel's dramatic life: from his childhood in Cape Town, through the years of his bravery and determination as a leader in the struggle against apartheid, to his rise through the ranks of the ANC to become the country's longest-serving Minister of Finance. 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.

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.

I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land.' Thabo Mbeki, 16 June 1999 Thabo Mbeki was elected President of South Africa in 1999. But little is known about the earlier years of this great statesman of Africa and the world. This book traces the life and adventures of Thabo Mbeki. You can read about his childhood years looking after his mother's store in the Transkei, his desperate escape into exile, the years spent in Europe and Africa, to the day he came to occupy the president's office. And you can find out something more about who this man is. 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.

Albert Luthuli grew up in the small KwaZulu-Natal settlement of Groutville and became a teacher. As a young man, he was not particularly interested in politics, but the government's increasing cruelty towards Africans led him to take up the cause of his people. He eventually became a national political leader and, in 1952, was elected President of the African National Congress (ANC). He headed an executive committee that included such great leaders as Mandela, Tambo and Sisulu. He led many campaigns against the apartheid system and won the love and respect of ordinary South Africans. In 1961, Chief Luthuli became known around the world as the first South African to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his devotion to achieving freedom by peaceful means. 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.

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.

On 19 September 1983, Yusuf Dadoo, one of South Africa's bravest freedom fighters died in England. As Dr Dadoo lay dying, he wrote to the Communist Party to apologise for not being able to attend one of their meetings. This book salutes Dr Dadoo. It is the story of his childhood in Johannesburg, his student days in India and Scotland, his days spent in South Africa's prisons, and the battles he fought to end the evil system of apartheid. Stories about injustice are often sad. But Dadoo found time for laughter too. And so will you when you relive some of the exciting moments in our history with one of our many brave heroes who fought for freedom. 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.

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.

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.