Remembering a revolutionary: the legacy of Frank Anthony

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Background map: Canva; book covers: Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis by Frank Anthony (publisher: Kempen) and The journey by Frank Anthony (publisher: Ravan Press)

Professor Fiona Moolla’s article in The Conversation is a scholarly analysis and review of Frank Anthony’s novel, The journey. In this article, she asks two questions: “How does a man who dedicated the greater part of his life to a vision of a just South Africa and sacrificed his family and personal relationships to do so disappear from the country’s history? How does a writer with a consummate command of two of South Africa’s national languages – English and Afrikaans – and whose work in poetry and prose reflects deep insights into world politics, literature and culture come to be virtually totally forgotten? From these questions, we can glean that Frank Anthony was a revolutionary who fought against the oppression of apartheid, and he was also an accomplished novelist and poet.”

As the Stellenbosch community, we also should ask ourselves these questions and what we will do about it. Here in Stellenbosch, only the older people will remember him. A concerted effort should be made to celebrate the life of Frank Anthony. The erasure of Frank Anthony, a man who dedicated his life to the vision of a just South Africa, is a profound loss for the nation and the community of Stellenbosch. Frank Anthony’s sacrifices, which included significant personal and familial bonds, deserve recognition for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. The forgetting of Anthony’s contributions reflects broader societal tendencies to overlook those who do not fit into dominant historical narratives. This selective memory undermines the collective understanding of the struggle for freedom and justice, rendering his sacrifices invisible. Within the Stellenbosch community, which endured the brutalities of apartheid, the absence of recognition for local heroes like Anthony is particularly poignant. It denies future generations the opportunity to draw inspiration from his resilience and courage, perpetuating a historical amnesia and injustice cycle.

Photo credit: ©Unknown/Courtesy Nelson Mandela Foundation

Memorialising Frank Anthony is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that his sacrifices and contributions are acknowledged and preserved, providing a more comprehensive and inclusive historical record. This is vital for fostering a sense of pride and identity within the community, especially among the youth, who can learn from Frank Anthony’s example of perseverance and moral fortitude. Secondly, memorialisation acts as a form of restitution, honouring him who was marginalised and oppressed, and affirming his rightful place in the nation’s history. In doing so, it helps heal the wounds of the past and strengthens communal bonds by celebrating shared values and collective achievements. Ultimately, the memorialisation of his life serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, inspiring current and future generations to continue the fight for a more just and equitable society.

A symbol of revolutionary zeal and intellectual leadership

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Frank Anthony was a revolutionary in the true sense of the word. His activism and unwavering commitment to justice and equality made him a formidable force in the fight against apartheid.
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Frank Anthony was a revolutionary in the true sense of the word. His activism and unwavering commitment to justice and equality made him a formidable force in the fight against apartheid. As a young man, he became deeply involved in the struggle, motivated by the oppressive conditions faced by people of colour in South Africa. His activism extended beyond mere participation; he was a strategic thinker and a passionate advocate for the rights of the disenfranchised. Anthony’s revolutionary spirit was evident in his willingness to challenge the status quo, often at great personal risk. He organised protests, participated in underground movements, and used his voice to rally others to the cause, embodying the essence of a revolutionary leader who inspires and mobilises for change.

In addition to his activism, Frank Anthony’s revolutionary impact was felt through his intellectual contributions and ability to articulate the aspirations of his people. He was not only a man of action, but also a thinker who understood the complexities of the social and political landscape. His writings reflected a deep understanding of the need for systemic change and a vision for a just society. Anthony’s legacy is characterised by his relentless pursuit of justice and equality, his strategic mind and his ability to inspire others to join the struggle. His life’s work left an indelible mark on the fight against apartheid, and he remains a symbol of courage and revolutionary zeal for future generations.

According to a telephonic interview with Frank’s daughter, Renée,1 he was born in Stellenbosch in 1940 and passed away in 1993 at the age of 53. His death, just one year before South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, was both profoundly cruel and deeply symbolic. Anthony had spent much of his life fighting for the freedom and equality that the democratic elections represented, yet he did not live to witness this historic moment. After decades of struggle against apartheid, including six years of imprisonment on Robben Island, his passing marked a tragic end to a life of relentless sacrifice (Anthony, 2024).

The timing of his death underscores the human cost of the liberation struggle. Anthony endured the harsh realities of an oppressive system and dedicated himself to building a just and equitable society. Yet, he was denied the opportunity to see the fruits of his labour – the dawn of democracy in the country he loved so deeply. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the many unsung heroes who gave everything for freedom but never experienced its full realisation.

Throughout his life, Anthony embodied an uncompromising commitment to non-racism and social equality. His political awakening began at Lückhoff High School, an apartheid-designated “coloured” school in Stellenbosch, where he was deeply influenced by his history teacher, Ronnie Britten, a member of the Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM). Anthony later married Lorraine Britten, Ronnie’s sister, with whom he had two daughters, Renée and Lynn.

Through Ronnie Britten, Anthony became involved in the NEUM, which later aligned with the African People’s Democratic Union of Southern Africa (APDUSA). After his divorce, he married Valma Abrahams, a fellow APDUSA member. Valma gave birth to their son, Richard, just a month after Anthony’s sudden death from a heart attack in Cape Town. Anthony’s legacy is one of steadfast dedication to the principles of justice, equality and non-racialism. His contributions to the struggle for freedom continue to inspire, even as his untimely passing remains a sombre reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought to transform South Africa.

In April 1972, Frank Anthony was arrested and convicted on four counts under the Terrorism Act alongside 14 other Unity Movement and APDUSA members, in what became known as the “Maritzburg Trial”. He spent three months in Leeuwkop Prison before being incarcerated on Robben Island from 6 April 1972 to 23 March 1978. Anthony was then transferred to Victor Verster Prison until 5 April 1978. Subsequently, under Act No 44 of 1950 Sec 9 (1), he was banned and restricted to Kraaifontein from 5 April 1978 to 30 April 1983 (Moolla, 2023).

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Despite the harsh conditions of their imprisonment, there was a strong sense of solidarity among the inmates, who found strength and inspiration in each other’s company. Frank had particularly fond memories of his interactions with Mandela, whose wisdom and kindness left a profound impact on him.
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According to his daughter, Renée, during his time on Robben Island, Frank Anthony forged deep and lasting friendships with many fellow political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. He cherished the camaraderie and mutual support that characterised his relationships with these prominent ANC leaders. Despite the harsh conditions of their imprisonment, there was a strong sense of solidarity among the inmates, who found strength and inspiration in each other’s company. Frank had particularly fond memories of his interactions with Mandela, whose wisdom and kindness left a profound impact on him. These friendships provided a beacon of hope and resilience, transforming their time on Robben Island into a testament to the unbreakable spirit and unity of those who fought against apartheid.

Frank Anthony, restricted by house arrest and confined to the limited area allowed by his restrictions, found work at Pick n Pay Hypermarket in Brackenfell. It was there, in the mundane task of pushing trolleys in the hypermarket parking area, that he was seen by my mother. As a young boy, I saw my mother recognise this remarkable man, a revolutionary who had sacrificed so much for justice and equality. Overwhelmed by a wave of intense sadness, she saw not just a man pushing trolleys, but a symbol of the harsh and unjust realities of apartheid. The sight of Frank, a hero who had been reduced to such a menial job, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. Her eyes filled with tears, reflecting her deep pain and the deep respect she felt for him, a man whose unwavering commitment to justice had been met with such a stark and humbling reality. This emotional encounter underscored the profound injustices of the time and left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it, a testament to the enduring spirit and quiet dignity of Frank Anthony. This happened more than 45 years ago, but that day is engrained into my memory.

Frank Anthony: The poet and novelist

Frank Anthony’s literary contributions include the novel The journey and the poetry collection Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis. Together, these works offer a deeply human perspective on resistance and enrich South African literature with their emotional and political depth. Both these manuscripts are in the Stellenbosch University Library.

His poetry collection, Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis, holds profound significance as a pioneering work that challenged the norms of its time. In the context of apartheid-era South Africa, where Afrikaans was predominantly associated with the oppressor, Anthony’s decision to wield this language as a tool of resistance was revolutionary. By crafting his poetry in Afrikaans, he defied the imposed linguistic boundaries and reclaimed the language for the oppressed, transforming it into a vehicle for expressing their struggles, aspirations and defiance against injustice. The title poem, “Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis”, encapsulates Anthony’s experience of imprisonment and reflects the resilience and endurance of those incarcerated on Robben Island. Through his verses, he not only narrates his personal ordeal, but also amplifies the collective voice of resistance against the apartheid regime. This collection represents a departure from the conventional use of Afrikaans, which had been predominantly associated with the ruling white minority, and instead empowers the marginalised voices of the oppressed black community. The rejection of Anthony’s poetry by many white people underscores their discomfort and resistance to the subversion of Afrikaans as a language of oppression. By embracing Afrikaans and infusing it with themes of resistance, defiance and liberation, Anthony challenged the hegemonic power structures and asserted the right of all South Africans to reclaim their language and heritage. Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis thus stands as a seminal work that not only reshaped the literary landscape of South Africa, but also contributed to the broader struggle for freedom, equality and dignity (Viljoen, 2005).

Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis by Frank Anthony (publisher: Kempen) and The journey by Frank Anthony (publisher: Ravan Press)

Frank Anthony’s novel, The journey, challenges traditional narratives of the anti-apartheid movement by presenting revealing insights into the repression of the personal within the movement. The protagonist’s passion for social justice paradoxically leads to the repression of personal empowerment and emancipation through others, particularly in the realm of romantic love. This novel reflects the “liquidation” of love in the leftist discourse of the period, highlighting a blind spot in dominant struggle politics regarding the potential of love as a boundary-breaking and transformative force. Furthermore, the novel is controversial for its critique of political leadership and its use of satire to challenge the orthodoxy of uncritical commitment to a “party line”. “By deviating from the expected themes and techniques of political literature, The journey offers a unique perspective on the anti-apartheid struggle that goes beyond conventional portrayals of heroism and resistance. The novel’s exploration of personal relationships, nature and the protagonist’s internal struggles adds complexity to the narrative and challenges simplistic views of the movement” (Moolla, 2023).

The journey serves as a disruptive force within the traditional narratives surrounding the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. While many accounts tend to focus on the grand gestures of political leaders or the sweeping societal changes brought about by collective action, Anthony’s work delves into the intricate, often overlooked personal dimensions of activism. Through the lens of his characters’ experiences, he interrogates the complexities of navigating the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in resisting oppression. One of the novel’s central themes is the exploration of ideological purity and its limitations in the face of practical realities. Anthony paints a nuanced picture of the anti-apartheid struggle, where individuals grapple with the tension between their deeply held principles and the compromises necessary for survival or progress. By humanising the protagonists and depicting their internal struggles, he challenges the simplistic dichotomies of right and wrong, heroism and villainy, that often characterise historical narratives. In doing so, he invites readers to confront the messy, morally ambiguous terrain of activism, where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

Moreover, The journey shines a light on the transformative power of love and individual agency in driving social change. Anthony portrays how personal relationships, whether romantic, familial or platonic, can serve as sources of resilience, inspiration and solidarity in the face of adversity. Through the intimate connections forged between his characters, he illustrates how love can become a potent force for resistance, empowering individuals to defy oppressive systems and envision alternative futures (Moolla, 2024). In highlighting the importance of individual agency, Anthony emphasises the role that ordinary people play in shaping history, challenging the notion that social change is solely the purview of larger-than-life leaders or revolutionary movements.

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By foregrounding the personal alongside the political, Anthony invites readers to engage with the complexities of activism in all its messiness and nuance. In doing so, he not only honours the resilience and sacrifices of those who fought against apartheid, but also speaks to the enduring relevance of their struggles in the ongoing quest for social justice and liberation
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In essence, The journey offers a rich tapestry of human experiences that complicates and enriches our understanding of the anti-apartheid struggle. By foregrounding the personal alongside the political, Anthony invites readers to engage with the complexities of activism in all its messiness and nuance. In doing so, he not only honours the resilience and sacrifices of those who fought against apartheid, but also speaks to the enduring relevance of their struggles in the ongoing quest for social justice and liberation (Moolla, 2024).

The journey presents a compelling critique of the anti-apartheid struggle, challenging the rigid ideological conformity that often dominated the leftist discourse of the time. In documenting the history of Stellenbosch and its people, the novel’s exploration of the personal dimensions of resistance is particularly striking. Anthony’s focus on the marginalisation of love as a transformative force invites reflection on how local struggles in Stellenbosch were similarly shaped by the tension between political commitment and personal relationships. His critique of leadership and his satire of blind adherence to party lines offer a lens to examine the complexities and contradictions within movements for justice, both in our broader South African context and in the specific histories of Stellenbosch. This novel’s ability to weave personal struggles with broader political critique highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to documenting history, one that includes the emotional and relational dynamics that underpinned the fight against oppression.

Last, but not least: Frank Anthony the activist

Frank Anthony emerges not just as a poet and novelist, but as a political activist par excellence, deeply devoted to the ideals of freedom and justice. His literary works, notably the groundbreaking Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis and the disruptive The journey, serve as potent tools in his relentless pursuit of a more just and equitable society. Through his poetry and prose, Anthony not only challenges the oppressive structures of apartheid South Africa, but also interrogates the complexities of activism, love and individual agency in the struggle for social justice.

At the core of Anthony’s activism lies an unwavering commitment to freedom, equality and a socialist order. His poetry collection Robbeneiland: My kruis, my huis stands as a testament to his bold defiance of linguistic boundaries and his insistence on reclaiming Afrikaans as a language of resistance. By wielding Afrikaans as a tool to amplify the voices of the oppressed, Anthony challenges the hegemonic power structures and asserts the right of all South Africans to reclaim their language and heritage. This defiance is not merely linguistic but political, as Anthony uses his poetry to inspire collective action and resistance against the apartheid regime.

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With each word penned in defiance, each poem recited in solidarity, Anthony poured his heart and soul into the struggle, knowing that the price of freedom was steep, but believing fervently in its worth.
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In The journey, Anthony further explores the personal dimensions of activism, questioning the limitations of ideological purity and highlighting the transformative power of love and individual agency. Through his characters’ experiences, he confronts the moral ambiguities inherent in resisting oppression, and underscores the importance of personal relationships in driving social change. Frank Anthony’s ultimate aim transcends the boundaries of literature; it is a relentless quest for freedom, equality and a socialist order where justice reigns supreme, and every individual is empowered to live a life of dignity and opportunity.

Frank Anthony’s activism was not just a political endeavour; it was a deeply emotional and personal commitment to the pursuit of freedom and justice. Every step of his march for liberation was fuelled by an unwavering passion, a fire burning within him that refused to be extinguished by the obstacles in his path. His sacrifices were not measured merely in material losses, but in the emotional toll of witnessing the injustices inflicted upon his people and the relentless determination to fight against them. With each word penned in defiance, each poem recited in solidarity, Anthony poured his heart and soul into the struggle, knowing that the price of freedom was steep, but believing fervently in its worth. His activism was a testament to the profound love he held for his community, the deep empathy he felt for their suffering, and the unyielding hope he carried for a better tomorrow. In Frank Anthony’s relentless march for freedom and justice, the personal and the political converged in a symphony of courage, resilience and unwavering conviction, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who witnessed his journey.

1 Telephonic interview with Renée Anthony on 3 September 2024.

Notes:

Anthony, R. 2024. Telephonic interview with Renée Anthony, 3 September 2024.

Moolla, F. 2023. “South African activist Frank Anthony wrote a novel that has been forgotten: Why it shouldn’t have been in The Conversation”. https://theconversation.com/south-african-activist-frank-anthony-wrote-a-novel-that-has-been-forgotten-why-it-shouldnt-have-been-205251.

Moolla, F. 2024. Interview.

Viljoen, L. 2005. “Displacement in the literary texts of black Afrikaans writers in South Africa” in Journal of Literary Studies.

Also read:

In memoriam: Walter Parry, academic icon and pioneer

In memoriam: Victor Honey

In memoriam: Donavan Wanza

In memoriam: Ronald Carolissen

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