Lilian Ngoyi

Banned from public life

1911 - 1980
Artist: Stephen Maqashela
Location: Soweto
Sunday Times editor Mondli Makhanya and members of Lilian Ngoyi’s family read the memorial plaque, which is fixed to the perimeter wall of the property where the late activist lived.
Picture: Debbie Yazbek © Sunday Times

Lilian Ngoyi joined the ANC in 1950, during the Defiance Campaign. She was soon elected President of the ANC Women's League, and in 1956 led the women's anti-pass march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Over the next thirty years, Ngoyi was to spend much of her life in detention - often in solitary confinement for months at a time - or confined to her home under banning orders. She was not allowed to leave the general area of her Soweto home, nor to speak in public. Frustrated and unable to make a living, Ngoyi poured her energies into a number of eloquent and passionately written letters to friends and activists worldwide, as well as into her sewing.

From The Archives
The Private Letters 1971-72
Lilian Ngoyi’s private letters were written between 1971 and 1980, the last decade of her life. She was corresponding with Belinda Allan, a young American woman.
The Private Letters 1973-75
Lilian Ngoyi’s private letters were written between 1971 and 1980, the last decade of her life. She was corresponding with Belinda Allan, a young American woman.
The Private Letters 1976
Lilian Ngoyi’s private letters were written between 1971 and 1980, the last decade of her life. She was corresponding with Belinda Allan, a young American woman.
The Private Letters 1977
Lilian Ngoyi’s private letters were written between 1971 and 1980, the last decade of her life. She was corresponding with Belinda Allan, a young American woman.
A Plea for Lilian - Naude
Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Beyers Naudé wrote several letters pleading Lilian Ngoyi’s cause. Naudé discussed her various domestic and financial needs, while raising the "possibility of her banning order being lifted".
A Plea for Lilian - Buthelezi
Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Beyers Naudé wrote several letters pleading Lilian Ngoyi’s cause. Describing himself as one of Ngoyi’s "great admirers", Buthelezi remarks that she had "really suffered".
Mobilising the Women
A renowned orator, Lilian Ngoyi urged the League’s 1956 conference to continue the "fight against the extension of passes to women".
Banned, Again
Lilian Ngoyi was banned from 1961 until 1972, and again from June 1975. She died while still under banning order.
Permission is hereby granted...
As a banned person restricted to her tiny house in Soweto, Lilian Nogyi had to ask permission for the most basic things: to go to town to shop for material for her dressmaking business, or to attend the funeral of a relative who had died.
Life Stories
Isolated for two decades
Lilian Ngoyi spent almost two decades banned and confined to her house in Mzimhlope, Soweto, sewing to make a living.
Ngoyi's prison is now a monument
Thabo Mkhize reports on the Sunday Times Heritage Project’s memorial to Lilian Ngoyi.
Lilian Ngoyi memorial unveiled
A 92-year-old cousin of Lilian Ngoyi is so inspired by the memorial erected in Ngoyi’s honour that she is determined to start sewing again.
Making the Memorial
Who is Stephen Maqashela?
He hails from Alexandra, Johannesburg, and calls himself a "general" artist.
The Lightbulb Moment: The Artist's Concept
Fascinated by how Lilian Ngoyi was able to earn money through sewing until her death, Stephen felt the sewing machine played a significant role in Comrade Ngoyi's life.
"I am hoping with confidence that, before I die, I will see change in this country."
Lilian Ngoyi
Lilian Ngoyi at her sewing machine.
Picture: © Bailey’s History Archive

IN THE CLASSROOM

Personal letters as historical sources

Working with personal letters is an excellent way of encouraging learners to want to know about people and events in history. They can potentially create an emotional empathy with people who lived in the past.

Lesson plan
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Archive Photo Gallery
Images from the public and private lives of Lilian Ngoyi.
Artwork Photo Gallery
Friends and relatives of Lilian Ngoyi gather for the unveiling of Stephen Maqashela’s artwork.
Audio Archive
A gripping documentary on Lilian Ngoyi’s life and times.
Panorama
Take a 360° tour of the artwork at Ngoyi's home on Nkungu Street, Soweto.
Audio Slideshow