Vuyisile Mini, Trade unionist and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) activist is hanged

Vuyisile Mini a trade unionist and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) activist was hanged for his role in the MK and anti-apartheid resistance. As a member of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU), he was responsible for the organisation of metal workers at a time when the government had increased its repressive measures against Black trade unions. He became the first African National Congress (ANC) member to be executed by the government. Prior to his execution, the police tried to turn him against his colleagues in the struggle. His response was: "They asked me if I was prepared to give evidence against Mkwayi whom they had now arrested. I said `No, I was not.' They said there was a good chance for them to save me from the gallows if I was prepared to assist them. I refused to assist. When they asked would I make the Amandla Ngawethu ['Power is ours'] salute when I walked the last few paces to the gallows, I said, `Yes'." Vuyisile Mini was hanged together with Wilson Khayinga and Zinakile Mkaba.