Darkest Before Dawn Writings, Testimonies and Correspondence from the Life of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe By Derek Hook

ISBN: 9781776148561

Wits University Press, 1 October 2024

Paperback, 456 pages

A definitive collection of Robert Sobukwe’s political writings, speeches, unpublished court testimonies, and interviews, complete with a biographical narrative by the editors that demonstrates the many challenges Sobukwe faced and his continued political resolve in the post-prison years of his life.

Darkest Before Dawn captures the story of the years Robert Sobukwe, the founder of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, spent in Kimberley after his release from Robben Island.

It includes political writings, speeches, unpublished court testimonies and interviews from this period. The biographical narrative by the editors and images from Sobukwe’s life demonstrate the many challenges he faced. His continued political resolve to fight for an end to apartheid is captured in the letters he exchanged with friends and admirers, including the celebrated novelist Bessie Head whose letters to Sobukwe are published here for the first time. Sobukwe continued to meet political allies, such as Black Consciousness leader Steve Biko, pursue a legal career and play host to international visitors in spite of banning orders. The portrait that emerges is that of a highly ethical man, a figure of dignity and fortitude, and a wise elder whose commitment to the vision of Pan-Africanism remained undeterred, despite being forced to live under near impossible conditions, in his final years. 

To do justice to Sobukwe’s intellectual contribution and his unfailing desire to pursue liberation for African people, Darkest Before Dawn includes expansive annotations by the compilers and ends with a reflective essay which highlights the ongoing pertinence of his legacy.