The Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (Somafco) did not emerge as a big bang and cannot be interpreted in isolation to South Africa’s journey to democracy. It is part of a continuum of history and the contributions of those directly and indirectly affected.

Somafco emerged more specifically as a result of South Africa’s peculiar history, arguably dating centuries ago.Part of our history is based on an imperialistic ideology (missionary education) which resulted in scores of important lives that contributed to South Africa’s democratic dispensation.

More contextually, Somafco belongs to the history of the struggle for democracy in South Africa and for equal rights not only for our country, but for humanity as a whole.

In hindsight, more significant and symbolic developments in South Africa and Africa’s history are connected to what resulted into Somafco. The latter was and is essentially the coming to life of the power of education and its form for Africa’s liberation.

The idea of equal education for humanity was embodied through many lives, some which are noteworthy towards a comprehensive understanding of what brought about Somafco and its legacy.