When our Brother, uLucky, sent her off, he termed the lessons she passed on and left with us as Magogoism. Subsequent to this, the Family made a commitment to uphold the principles of Magogoism, by not only sharing with those less fortunate and abled than us, but to also get our children to live by this principle. Recently, this has been introduced to Families, colleagues and Friends across the world, for adoption, to have it replicated wherever they are. We believe the growth of Magogoism is the most impactful way in which we can change the livelihoods of societies around us.

UMagogo is a woman who owned, ran and managed a house that harboured, sheltered, conscientised and developed members of the PAC and ANC, in particular operatives of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), since the early 1970’s. This house would later be known as kwaMagogo, which is a title of the book published in 2007, written about the house, uMagogo as well as the activities of the ANC in Swaziland. At any time, you would find as much 40 operatives/people, just staying there. That was the beginning of a history being made.

The book, “Number 43 Trelawney Park; kwaMagogo” has enjoyed prominence in South Africa, Swaziland (now eSwatini) and beyond, for its human touch and in particular the spirit of uMagogo, which was enjoyed by many.

She was born Rebecca Makgomo Kekana on the 12th of December 1928, but would later in her life be known simply as uMagogo, at title bestowed on her by people showing respect and admiration for the motherly position she held amongst South Africans, exiled in Swaziland. Even her children switched to referring to her as uMagogo, as opposed to uMama, because of her abundant love and care for people in general, as well as her passion for the liberation movement. The children quickly learnt, she, their house, their Father and everything in their possession were shared resources. Many comrades and friends have always seen her as their Mother as well.

UMakgomo was born to Abraham Jambo Kekana and Batseba Magogodi Mkhonwana. Abraham was on three occasions acting Chief of the Ndebele people until his death on the 6th of June 1964, of an unknown ailment. This makes uMagogo’s history a royal one. She met uSolomon Buthongo Masilela, popularly known as “Thongo”, soon after the Second World War in 1945, when uButhongo returned from the war front. Both uMakgomo and uButhongo attended the Lutheran church in Kekanastaad, where they met and started courting. They courted for close to five years and finally got married in 1951.

Together they were blessed with nine children. All of which contributed to the struggle to varying degrees. The details of the Family’s involvement are documented in the book. Some of these activities are documented in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report through the accounts of various friends, comrades and foes that operated from and around Number 43.