Robert Sobukwe

ModernPoliticianSouth Africa1924 — ?

PAC founder imprisoned on Robben Island.

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Quick Facts

Born

1924

Country

South Africa

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)45

Political (20%)45

Influence (20%)62

Legacy (20%)56

Leadership (15%)35

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score50.2

Robert Sobukwe — Complete Timeline

1959 AD

Founded the Pan Africanist CongressPolitical Action

Robert Sobukwe founded the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in Johannesburg, breaking away from the ANC. He became its first President, advocating for Africanist ideology and a more militant approach to ending apartheid.

PACAfricanismAnti-Apartheid

Impact: nationalconstructive

1960 AD

Led the Anti-Pass Campaign and Sharpeville MassacrePolitical Action

Sobukwe led the PAC's anti-pass campaign, calling for mass protests against pass laws. On March 21, 1960, police fired on protesters in Sharpeville, killing 69 people. The massacre led to the banning of the PAC and ANC.

SharpevillePass LawsProtest

Impact: nationaltragic

1963 AD

Imprisoned on Robben Island under the 'Sobukwe Clause'Political Action◆ Major

Sobukwe was imprisoned on Robben Island after the government passed a special law, the 'Sobukwe Clause', allowing his indefinite detention without trial. He remained in solitary confinement for six years, becoming a symbol of resistance.

Robben IslandPolitical PrisonerApartheid

Impact: nationaltragic