Duma Nokwe

Breaking Through the Bar

May 13 1927 — January 12 1978
Artist: Lewis Levin
Location: High Court, Pritchard Street, Johannesburg
Installed outside the Johannesburg High Court on Pritchard Street, Lewis Levin’s two-metre-high homage to Duma Nokwe, the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Bar, instantly captures the attention of passers-by.
Picture: Craig Mathews © South African History Archive

On March 9 1956 Duma Nokwe became South Africa's first black advocate at the Johannesburg Bar, beating his nearest rival, Nelson Mandela, to the honour. The Minister of Native Affairs, Hendrik Verwoerd, turned down Nokwe's application to have offices, known as chambers, in His Majesty's Building where the white advocates were housed. Fellow advocate George Bizos illegally shared his chambers with Nokwe from 1956 to 1962.

From The Archives
George Bizos on the Johannesburg Bar’s tearoom politics
In his autobiography, Odyssey to Freedom, George Bizos recounts how Ismail Mahomed joined the Johannesburg Bar a few years after Nokwe, and how non-whites were eventually admitted to the Society’s common room.
Nelson Mandela on Nokwe’s role in the Treason Trial
In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, former president Nelson Mandela writes about how the decision was made to use Duma Nokwe as the only advocate in the Treason Trial.
"Native barrister told to get out of office"
An article published in The Friend reports on Duma Nokwe being denied access to chambers in His Majesty’s Building, and the Bar Council’s decision to take up the matter with the Minister of Native Affairs.
An Insult to the Bar
In this opinion piece, the writer takes issue with Dr Verwoerd’s "undignified" and "arrogant" response regarding the necessity of Nokwe having to take up premises in a Native Area.
A plea to the Minister of Native Affairs, HF Verwoerd
In a letter to HF Verwoerd, IA Maisels, chairman of the Society of Advocates of Southern Africa, asks the government to reconsider its position on Nokwe being confined to a Native Area.
Verwoerd responds (via his private secretary)
In his response, via his private secretary, Verwoerd says "there can be no departure from the stand taken".
Duma Nokwe in Exile
This extract from the ANC’s website describes how Duma Nokwe "crossed into Bechuanaland" in January 1963, starting a period of active exile that would end with his early death at 50.
Life Stories
Wrongfully Judged
If you were a black African during apartheid, becoming a lawyer was almost impossible.
A Hollow Victory
Duma Nokwe might have had the honour of being the first black South African at the Bar, but the reality of practising as an advocate was a different story.
Making the Memorial
Who is Lewis Levin?
Lewis Levin is a Johannesburg-based architect and sculptor whose work mainly focuses on urban-renewal projects.
The Light Bulb Moment - The Artist's Concept
Levin says he was deeply moved by the life in one of Nokwe's photographs which led him to the concept of a "ghost" potrait.
"We have fought for years to get one of ours into the Bar. Are we now going to lose that over a cup of tea?"
Walter Sisulu on Duma Nokwe
Duma Nokwe, left, and Robert Resha
Picture: © Bailey’s African History Archive

IN THE CLASSROOM

Minutes of meetings as historical sources

This lesson plan demonstrates to learners why minutes of meetings are good sources of historical evidence. Learners can also learn the valuable skill of taking minutes.

Lesson plan
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Archive Photo Gallery
A selection of images of Nokwe’s life before he fled South Africa to escape the threat posed by the apartheid authorities.
Artwork Photo Gallery
Nokwe’s widow, Tiny, and George Bizos reunite at the memorial outside the Johannesburg High Court.
Panorama
Take an illuminating 360° degree tour of the Nokwe memorial outside the Johannesburg High Court on Pritchard Street.
Audio Slideshow