Themba (also called Thembeyakhe) Harry Gwala was born in the Swayimane area, south-east of Wartburg, on 30 July 1920. He died in Pietermaritzburg on 30 June 1995. He made two major and outstanding contributions to the
liberation struggle: firstly, as a teacher - in schools, at the 'University of Robben Island', and at virtually every meeting or rally he participated in; and secondly, as an outspoken leader and brilliant orator - which earned him the
title 'Lion of the Midlands'.
