HEROES OF OUR AGE / AMANDLA! NGAWETHU!
'THEY ARE THE HEROES OF OUR AGE'
The people who stood in the dock with Nelson Mandela, prepared to sacrifice their lives for freedom and racial equality in South Africa.
In 1963 Ahmed Kathrada (accused no. 5), Denis Goldberg (accused no. 3) and Andrew Mlangeni (accused no.10) were all sentenced to life imprisonment at the famous Rivonia trial.
They served 74 years in prison between them.
When the Rivonia Trial accused entered the courtroom each day, they would raise a clenched fist and call out ‘Amandla!’ - power! Their supporters in the galleries would complete the chant with ‘Ngawethu!’ - it is ours! The iconic chant of the liberation movement, this call and response were the first words of Nelson Mandela spoke publicly after his and their release in 1990.
AMANDLA! NGAWETHU!
is a triptych of portraits by Sunil Pawar, painted as a tribute to Andrew Mlangeni, Denis Goldberg and Ahmed Kathrada.
Commissioned especially for 'Life is Wonderful!' and Global Witness, the triptych Amandla! Ngawethu! celebrates Denis, Andrew and Kathy’s sacrifice, struggle and success.
to coincide with the three inspirational men who were instrumental in the abolition of apartheid, receiving the key to the City of London.
Each of the portraits have been signed by Kathrada, Goldberg and Mlangeni and were unveiled at Grosvenor House, London.