The founding member of United Democratic Front and struggle activist Johnny Issel dies

John James Issel photograph by Omar Badsha

Date: 23 Jan 2011
Updated: 23 Jan 2020

On 23 January 2011, John James Issel also known as Johnny died at the age of 64, after he had suffered renal failure at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town . Issel was born on 14 August 1946 in the wine growing area in Worcester and worked in a farm at a young age, cleaning grapes for the export market. During his matric, he became actively involved in the East Rand anti apartheid Labour party, contesting for the Coloured Representative Council. In addition, Issel was the founder of United Democratic Front (UDF) and a member of Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Associations (MKMVA). He worked closely with trade union movements and student organizations. Issel made an immense contribution in the liberation struggle of South Africa to fight against apartheid. He is one of those who have sacrificed a lot for the country. He left behind six children five grandchildren.

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How we know this

01South African History Online (2000), John James Issel, [online], Available at https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/john-james-issel [Accessed: 17 January 2020].
02Independent Online (2011), Hundreds mourn death of ‘a giant, [online], Available at https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/hundreds-mourn-death-of-a-giant-1016315 [Accessed: 17 January 2020].
03The presidency Republic of South Africa, John James Issel [online], Available at http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/national-orders/recipient/john-james-issel-1946 [Accessed: 17 January 2020].

Last updated · 23 Jan 2020

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2020, January 22). The founding member of United Democratic Front and struggle activist Johnny Issel dies. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0149880

South African History Online (2020) 'The founding member of United Democratic Front and struggle activist Johnny Issel dies', South African History Online, 22 January. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0149880 (Accessed: 25 July 2026).

South African History Online, The founding member of United Democratic Front and struggle activist Johnny Issel dies [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0149880, (accessed 25 July 2026).

"The founding member of United Democratic Front and struggle activist Johnny Issel dies." South African History Online, 22 Jan. 2020, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0149880. Accessed 25 July 2026.

South African History Online. "The founding member of United Democratic Front and struggle activist Johnny Issel dies." South African History Online. January 22, 2020. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0149880.