They Fought for Freedom: Z.K. Matthews: Grade 10 - 12

The struggle for democratic education had already begun in the early part of the 20th century with people like Z.K. Matthews, long before 1976 or the school boycotts in the early 1980s. In his early teens, Z.K. Matthews questioned many imbalances in education. He also disagreed with many teachers of his time who believed that whites were naturally more clever than blacks. As a young teacher, he had a dream that improved African education would better equip black people to fight for their political rights, and throughout his life as an educator, he worked to fulfil this dream. In fact, many of his students went on to become influential political leaders. Z.K. himself became a respected leader in the ANC, and gave the organisation the idea of the Freedom Charter. Z.K. Matthews' story will serve as inspiration to many young people who have come to realise the value of education. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.