My Father Died for This

by Lukhanyo Calata, Abigail Calata

When the Cradock Four’s Fort Calata was murdered by agents of the apartheid state in 1985 his son, Lukhanyo, was only three years old. Thirty-one years later Lukhanyo, now a journalist, becomes one of the SABC 8 when he defies Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s reign of censorship at the public broadcaster by writing an open letter that my father didn’t die for this. With his wife, Abigail, Lukhanyo brings to life the father he never knew and investigates the mystery that despite two high-profile inquests surrounds his death. Join them in a poignant and inspiring journey into the history of a remarkable family. 'My Father Died for This' traces the struggle against apartheid beginning with Fort's grandfather, treason trialist and ANC secretary-general Canon James Calata.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2018

Reviews

[Pippa Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving book that tells the stories of three generations of a family's activism, and the role of a small rural town that rose up in defiance against apartheid. So much important reflection here, not only on our past but on our present as well.
Also skillfully, beautifully written- I loved the way the stories and voices were interwoven so seamlessly. Highly recommended.

[Pete Farlam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this now in 2024/2025, I was struck by how brutal the apartheid regime was. We all know apartheid was terrible and a crime against humanity, but this personal and family account brings it home in a way that the History books perhaps don't. Lukhanyo and Abigail have done an amazing job of piecing together the different narratives (Fort, his grandfather, Nomonde, the lead-up to and aftermath of the murders, as well as Lukhanyo's modern-day experiences as one of the SABC8). The courage, moral leadership and resilience of the Cradock Four (and so many others from that time) really shine through, and stand in contrast to some of the failures of our current political leaders.