Matthews Meyiwa was born on 24 August 1924 in Georgedale, near Hammersdale in Natal (now KwaZulu Natal). He was born to George and Anne Meyiwa who were peasant farmers and was the last of eight children. Meyiwa attended Georgedale Primary School and Memorial Salvation School. He then attended Mpolweni Mission where he completed his secondary school education. Meyiwa progressed to Adams College to study for his junior certificate. It was here that he met Chief Albert Luthuli who was teaching at the college.

Banned under the Suppression of Comunism Act

Alfred Toto Metele was born to farmworker parents,in the farming area of Qumhra, Eastern Cape. He attended school at Mooiplaas, outside East London, where he enjoyed playing rugby and cricket. Metele became a fieldworker with the Border Council of Churhces (BCC) in 1976. The Bureau of State Security kept a close eye on  BCC members, especially Metele due to his devout  membership to the African National Congress (ANC) which he had joined in the early 1960s.