Robert Sobukwe, former leader of the banned Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), although still under a banning order, was admitted to practice as an attorney in Kimberley. In 1969, Sobukwe finally left Robben Island, only to be banished to Galeshewe township near Kimberley where he was banned from writing, teaching, speaking in public or even praying in church. He was, however, allowed to study law and, after being admitted as an attorney in 1975, ran a one-man practice from a small office in Galeshewe. Restricted though he was, Sobukwe would not be silenced and continued to consult with political activists, including a young Steve Biko, who considered him a role model. Sobukwe wanted to enter into practice with people like Phyllis Naidoo but his banning orders prevented him from doing so as he was not allowed to move from one magistrate's district to the other.
13 June 1975
Banned PAC leader Sobukwe is admitted as attorney
- Updated
- 30 Sep 2019

How we know this
- 01Kalley, J.A.; Schoeman, E. & Andor, L.E. (eds)(1999). Southern African Political History: a chronology of key political events from independence to mid-1997, Westport: Greenwood.
- 02SAHO Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe [online] Available at: www.sahistory.org.za [Accessed on 11 June 2013]
Last updated · 30 Sep 2019
South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Banned PAC leader Sobukwe is admitted as attorney. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012235
South African History Online (2011) 'Banned PAC leader Sobukwe is admitted as attorney', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012235 (Accessed: 18 October 2026).
South African History Online, Banned PAC leader Sobukwe is admitted as attorney [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012235, (accessed 18 October 2026).
"Banned PAC leader Sobukwe is admitted as attorney." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012235. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.
South African History Online. "Banned PAC leader Sobukwe is admitted as attorney." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012235.
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