THAMSANQA MYELE THE STRUGGLE IS MY LIFE (front)
CULTURE & RESISTENCE VICTORY IS CERTAIN (back)


Thami Mnyele (December 10, 1948–June 14, 1985) declared that the role of the artist was “to learn, to teach others, and to ceaselessly search for ways and means for achieving freedom.”

In 1973, Mnyele spent several months studying at the Swedish Lutheran art centre, Rorke's Drift in Natal. During this time, he was inspired by other young men who spoke about the ideas of the Black Consciousness Movement. In 1979, he moved to Gaborone, Botswana where he joined the Medu Art Ensemble with poet Wally Serote. Along with political posters, the ensemble published newsletters and held a conference in 1982 entitled "Culture and Resistance." While in Botswana, Mnyele joined the ANC and began undergoing combat training in Caxito, Angola. On June 14, 1985, the camp of South African exiles was besieged by SANDF forces and Mnyele was killed.