Joe Slovo

Date of Birth: May 23, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: January 6, 1995

Biography

Joe Slovo was a prominent South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, and a key figure in the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). Born on May 23, 1926, in Obeliai, Lithuania, Slovo immigrated to South Africa with his family in 1934. He became involved in anti-apartheid activities early in his life, joining the SACP in 1942 and the ANC in 1944. A trained lawyer, Slovo was a founding member and the first Chief of Staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC. During his lifetime, Slovo was known for his intellectual and strategic contributions to the liberation movement. He spent many years in exile, where he continued his work against the apartheid regime. After the unbanning of the ANC and SACP in 1990, Slovo returned to South Africa and played a vital role in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid. He served as the Minister of Housing in Nelson Mandela’s government until his death on January 6, 1995.

5 Interesting Facts about Joe Slovo

1. Joe Slovo was a trained lawyer and one of the key legal minds behind the anti-apartheid movement.

2. He was a founding member and the first Chief of Staff of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the ANC.

3. Slovo spent many years in exile, during which he continued to orchestrate anti-apartheid activities.

4. He was married to Ruth First, a fellow anti-apartheid activist and journalist, who was assassinated by a letter bomb in 1982.

5. Slovo was instrumental in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joe Slovo

1. “No one can be free until everyone is free.”

2. “You don’t negotiate with the enemy you negotiate with your partner in peace.”

3. “Revolutionary violence has its own logic, but also its own limits.”

4. “We are not just fighting for political power, but for a society free from exploitation and oppression.”

5. “The struggle is my life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Joe Slovo was primarily a political activist and did not accumulate significant personal wealth. His focus was on social justice and political change rather than financial gain.

Children

Joe Slovo and Ruth First had three daughters: Shawn Slovo, a screenwriter; Gillian Slovo, a novelist and playwright; and Robyn Slovo, a film producer.