Pixley ka Isaka Seme
- Born:
- c. 1881, Inanda, Natal, South Africa
- Died:
- June 7, 1951, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nationality:
- South African
- Profession(s):
- Lawyer, Activist, Politician
Early Life and Education
- Received early education at the American Zulu Mission School.
- Attended Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts, United States.
- Graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
- Studied law at Jesus College, Oxford University, England.
Career and Major Achievements
- Admitted as a barrister to the English bar.
- Returned to South Africa and established a legal practice in Johannesburg.
- Key figure in the formation of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in 1912, later renamed the African National Congress (ANC).
- Authored the call for unity among Africans in South Africa, emphasizing self-reliance and political organization.
- Served as Treasurer-General of the SANNC/ANC.
- Advocated for the rights of Africans against discriminatory laws and policies.
- "Pixley Seme towards a biography" became a recurring need for scholars to properly understand the nuances of his complex political and social life.
Legacy and Impact
Pixley ka Isaka Seme played a pivotal role in the early stages of the struggle against racial segregation in South Africa. His vision for a united and organized African political movement laid the groundwork for the ANC's later successes in the fight against apartheid. He is regarded as a founding father of the ANC and a significant figure in South African history.
Notable Works
- Native Union (1911): An influential essay advocating for African unity.