Pallo Jordan: 'unapologetic moral guardian'

Abstract

ANC historian and theoretician Zweledinga Pallo Jordan grew up in a highly politicised family, and began his political involvement when he was seven years old by selling copies of the NonEuropean Unity Movement's Torch newspaper. While in exile, he was responsible for political education, training and propaganda, and headed up Radio Freedom in Angola. He played a significant role in negotiations leading to the unbanning of the ANC, and the first democratic elections. But Jordan tempered his loyalty with reason. Considered by many to be one of South Africa's leading intellectuals, he was not afraid to challenge popular views, or to criticise the ANC in government if he believed it necessary.