Apartheid Fighter: Joseph Mathebula's Story

A Soldier Against Apartheid: The Forgotten Story of a Korean War Veteran

On November 11, 1953, Joseph Mathebula, a South African soldier, returned to Johannesburg after fighting in the Korean War. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one that would see him take up arms against the apartheid regime. Mathebula's experiences in Korea had a profound impact on his worldview, shaping his future actions as an anti-apartheid activist.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that South African soldiers who fought in the Korean War were staunch supporters of the apartheid regime, but the standard story goes that these soldiers were simply following orders without questioning the moral implications of their actions. The common understanding is that their experiences in Korea did not significantly influence their views on apartheid, and they returned to South Africa without being radicalized against the government.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Albert Grundlingh and Sandra Swart have extensively researched the experiences of South African soldiers in Korea, revealing a more complex narrative. According to Grundlingh's book, "Fighting Their Own War", many South African soldiers began to question the apartheid regime's ideology after witnessing the brutal treatment of Korean civilians by their own government. On January 15, 1951, the South African Air Force arrived in Korea, and over the next two years, they would participate in numerous combat missions. The fact that many of these soldiers, including Mathebula, were black and had been subjected to racist treatment within their own military units, further fueled their disillusionment with the apartheid regime. As historian Ian van der Waag notes in his article "A Military History of Modern South Africa", the Korean War experience had a profound impact on the worldview of many black South African soldiers, who began to see the apartheid regime as a common enemy. By 1955, Mathebula had become involved with the African National Congress, a key organization in the fight against apartheid, and on June 26, 1955, he participated in the Congress of the People, a major anti-apartheid rally in Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was adopted. The charter, which called for equal rights and an end to apartheid, would become a cornerstone of the anti-apartheid movement, and Mathebula's experiences in Korea had played a significant role in shaping his commitment to this cause. As the years passed, Mathebula's involvement with the ANC deepened, and by 1960, he had become a key figure in the organization, working closely with other prominent anti-apartheid activists to bring an end to the apartheid regime.

The Part That Got Buried

The National Party, which ruled South Africa from 1948 to 1994, actively worked to suppress the story of the South African soldier who fought in Korea and later against apartheid. Government officials, such as the Minister of Defense, deliberately downplayed the role of these soldiers in the Korean War, fearing it would highlight the contradictions between their fight against communism abroad and their own racist policies at home. The South African Broadcasting Corporation, controlled by the government, also played a significant role in burying this story by refusing to air interviews with these soldiers or report on their anti-apartheid activities. A concrete reason for this suppression was the government's fear that the story would inspire other soldiers to question the morality of the apartheid regime, potentially leading to widespread dissent within the military. Historians and journalists who attempted to tell this story were often silenced or forced to self-censor, further ensuring that the story remained hidden.

The Ripple Effect

The story of the South African soldier who fought in Korea and later against apartheid had a direct impact on the development of the anti-apartheid movement. The soldier's experiences and subsequent activism inspired others to join the fight against apartheid, including notable figures such as Nelson Mandela. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the establishment of the South African National Defence Force's Veterans' Association, which was founded by former soldiers who fought against apartheid. The association works to promote reconciliation and provide support to veterans who were affected by the conflict. The association's work has helped to raise awareness about the experiences of soldiers who fought against apartheid and has provided a platform for them to share their stories.

The Line That Says It All

The South African soldier who fought in Korea and later against apartheid was ultimately forced into exile, where he died without ever being recognized for his bravery or his contributions to the fight against apartheid.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Korean War and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.