South African Native National Congress

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Extraordinary: Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was one of the earliest architects of Black intellectual modernity.

Sol Plaatje: The unfinished light of a nation line

Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was one of South Africa's most brilliant intellectual pioneers. Explore the lasting legacy of the legendary writer, translator, and founding leader of…

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

Sol Plaatje: The tragic cost of serving his people

An examination of Dr Modiri Molema’s 1965 biography of Solomon Plaatje reveals the personal sacrifice, financial distress and heartbreak behind the intellectual and political…

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

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…

A shared truimph: The grave of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, whose work helped shape South Africa’s democratic and cultural vision. Photo: Deshi Ngxanga

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.

Linguistic: Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje used courtesy as strategy in his letters.

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…

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

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…