Remembering the Gugulethu Seven

One of the unforgettable steps in a journey of the Struggle that brought us a Democratic South Africa


At about 07h30 in the morning of the 3rd March 1986, South Africa's Apartheid security forces led by a Vlakplaas-based unit killed seven young black men, who would later be known as the Gugulethu Seven.

The seven young men were
members of the African National Congress's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, which was the military wing of the ANC. The Meaning of Umkhonto we Sizwe is ‘Speer of the Nation’.

The names of the men now known
as the Gugulethu Seven are: Zandisile Zenith Mjobo; Zola Alfred Swelani, Mandla Simon Mxinwa, Godfrey Jabulani Miya, Themba Mlifi, Zabonke John Konile and Christopher ‘ Rasta’ Piet.

It is remembering the Gugulethu Seven that once again makes us remember where we come from, and the incredible journey this South Africa has been making since.

A very special tour of Apartheid stories
is done the Journey of Remembrance with the Direct Action Centre for Peace and Memory (DAC). Read our feature on the Journey of Remembrance. This tour is lead by MK veterans, some of which were present on the day of the Guguletu Seven killing.

It was interesting to see another “township tour” come past, with people quickldy getting out of their tour bus, taking some quick pictures and leaving as quickly as they arrived , while we were sitting down under the shade of one of the most significant trees in the country, listening to one of the tour guide’s descriptions of what he saw on that fatal day in 1986.

Gugulethu Seven related features:

Cape Capers Township Tour
Journey of Remembrance Tour
Gugulethu Seven Monument

Subscribe to our free Editor's Picks Newsletter to learn more about township tourism, and cultural tours and sights of Cape Town.

Molo Says:Human Right’s Day is one of the most important South African public holidays, with many cultural events taking place on this day. Keep an eye on our events section for special events taking place in Cape Town and read our feature on South African Public Holidays for more information.”

Cape Town Events Calendar
 
March 2008
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31

Aida Cape Town Opera 2025Cape Town Opera’s Afrofuturistic Aida ...

Black Panther meets Dune at Aida by Cape Town Opera

PT2The hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing

Char'd tasting 2025Rum, brandy & gin tastings with your ...

Unusual cuts prepped in-house and a curious gin atomiser

Milk on the Beach 2025Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

DIY waffles, loaded hotdogs, poke bowls, right on the beach

Two Oceans Aquarium clean up Free beach clean-ups with the Two ...

It happens every single month. See upcoming dates

LMTF Mandela and WinnieMeet 100 bronze life-size figures at ...

From famous heroes like Mandela to forgotten ones like Autshumato

Trail's End Bike HotelTeam building, stylish conferencing & ...

Ultimate work-play-and-stay hub, Trail’s End

Cederkloof mountain cottage getawayAccommodation special at Cederkloof ...

Book for 4, pay for 2. There’s hot tubs, hiking trails, pools…

Cafe Extrablatt 2024All-you-can-eat breakfast buffet every ...

Bottomless buffet with a laidback shisha lounge & bar upstairs

Mountain MarketAffordable healthy food at this city ...

Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes

wb6Live music & craft beer at Woodstock ...

Springbok Nude Girls and Arno Carstens play here. Plus the beer rocks

shimansky rockwell 6Shimansky Diamond Experience at The ...

The diamond showroom where you can polish your own stone

Ficks dinners 2025 sunset Ficks, Hermanus’s tidal pool ...

Just as wonderful at night & during the cooler months

Only Specials CaféThe café creating space for ...

It’s hidden in Hermanus. Here’s how to find it

testimonialsEvents Marketing Programme: Testimonials

We commit and invest in the magic that events bring. This is what the events ...

Things to do for the visually impaired Things to do for the visually impaired ...

Tandem cycling, hiking, adaptive surfing and more

Aida Cape Town Opera 2025Cape Town Opera’s Afrofuturistic Aida ...

Black Panther meets Dune at Aida by Cape Town Opera

Excentric Hair5 ways to transform your hair (with ...

Give your locks some love or change them completely

Scootours Stellenbosch team-buildingTop Bachelor Party Ideas in Cape Town

Stag parties for every budget, style and personality

Off-road adventure at Scootours BanhoekEnd-of-year party ideas to pitch to ...

Outdoor adventures, wine tastings, escape rooms + more

Freedom Adventure ParkThings to do with kids that parents ...

65+ activities: Jumping, quad biking, river tubing + more

/weekend Franschhoek Literary FestivalCape Town's 7 things to do this weekend

Singles run, silent book club, slime workshop & more

GiveawaysTravel Tips