Steven Eli Friedman was born on 31 March 1953 in Johannesburg. In 1971 Friedman began studying at the University of Witwatersrand. While at University, he became involved in the student movement, joining the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS).

Paula Margaret Ensor was born in the early 1950s in Durban, Natal (now KwaZulu Natal).

Stephen Zelwane Nkadimeng was one of the founders and key leaders of Fetakgomo (an organisation of migrant workers and peasantsof Sekhukhuneland).  On the last day of a two and-a-half year jail sentence for holding an illegal meeting, the prison superintendent summoned Nkadimengto his office and asked him to provide the names of those involved in the uprising. After he refused, the Assistant Magistrate took out the banishment order, dated 18 January 1960, and read it to him.

Sondeza Lugogo Mngomezulu, from the Ingwavuma district, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal], was said to be one of the ringleaders of the unrest that broke out in this area.