Sizophila Mkhize

Proof of life ❤️

Florence Mkhize (1932-1999) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, trade unionist and women's movement leader. Mkhize's activism began during the Defiance Campaign in 1952. She was banned for burning her passbook. In 1954 she joined other women in founding the FEDSAW. She was active in the potato and tobacco boycotts of 1959. After the ANC was banned in 1960, she became more active in SACTU. In June 1968 she was banned again for another 5 years under the Suppression of Communism Act. In the 1970's she was involved with the release Mandela campaign and used her home to hide other activists from the security forces. During the 1980's she was pursuing to solve the education and housing crisis in Lamontville. She assisted in raising funds for the learners who were refused education in public schools because of their parent's political activism. She was a founder member of the UDF in 1983 and in the same year she was mobilizing women from other racial groups with Natal Organization of Women.