Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje

In the news
Humanity: Sol Plaatje placed his gifts at the service of African dignity
EDUCATION

Sol Tshekisho Plaatje: His name is everywhere . . . his legacy must be too

Marking 150 years since the birth of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, Chancellor Thebe Ikalafeng reflects on how this pioneer of African dignity should be central to our education and…

  • Thebe Ikalafeng
6 min read
A shared truimph: The grave of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, whose work helped shape South Africa’s democratic and cultural vision. Photo: Deshi Ngxanga
HISTORY

Plaatje was never a lone genius

As South Africa marks 150 years since the birth of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, we remember how the pioneer's towering legacy was shaped and sustained by a supportive community.

  • Brian Willan
6 min read
Linguistic: Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje used courtesy as strategy in his letters.
SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY

A Motswana writer, author who argued with colonial power through letters

Beyond his celebrated books, Solomon T. Plaatje used letters, journalism, and Setswana orthography as weapons of resistance against colonial authority, shaping modern African…

  • Otshepeng Moletsane
5 min read
Intellectual: No South African thinker of the 20th century has produced a body of work that matches Sol Plaatje’s in its breadth, rigour and consequence. Photos: Northern Cape Provincial Government
SOUTH AFRICAN HISTORY

10 moments Plaatje changed SA forever

On his 150th birthday, a reappraisal of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje highlights 10 pivotal moments where his pioneering journalism, activism, and intellectual work transformed South…

  • Lesley Mofokeng
9 min read