1 March 2025
With the rise of the sun on April 27, 1946, Cde Thamsanqa Thami Makwakwa was born. He attended Orlando High School; however, his education was disrupted by his political activism as a Black Consciousness activist.
In the aftermath of the 1976 Uprisings, he went into exile, first settling in Botswana before moving to Nigeria in 1977 to further his studies. While in Nigeria, he pursued Mechanical Engineering at OWO College, graduating with impressive results.
After completing his studies, he returned to Gaborone, Botswana, to continue his commitment to the liberation struggle. He remained there until 1987, when he left Afrika for the United States of America to further his education in Seattle, Washington. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering.
During his time in Afrika, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Azanian National Liberation Army (AZANLA). AZANLA was the military wing of the exiled Black Consciousness Movement of Azania (BCMA) – AZAPO‘s sister organisation which later merged into AZAPO.
Cde Makwakwa participated in exile meetings where strong sentiments emerged about the need for the BCM to establish a unified external BCM organisation and form its own military wing. This initiative aimed to provide a home for cadres who, upon leaving South Africa, sought an alternative to the existing liberation movements.
Bra Thami was among those who strongly advocated for an external flag bearer of the BCM. His vision was realised when, on April 12, 1980, in London, the Black Consciousness Movement of Azania was officially formed under the interim chairpersonship of the late Comrade Basil Manning. Its military wing became the legal successor to various other military initiatives associated with the BCM at the time.
Many comrades traveled to London for this historic event, including Comrade Kingdom Khutsoane, Duke Machobane, Themba Maqubela, and Lindiwe Mokate, among others. The motion to establish a military wing was formally adopted, with Bra Thami playing a key role in its realisation.
In the current political dispensation, Bra Thami joined the South African Air Force Reserves and was commissioned as a retired Lieutenant Colonel, based at Waterkloof Airbase. He was a highly skilled and qualified Aircraft Engineer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and commitment to both the liberation struggle and his professional endeavours.
Like many of his comrades who returned to the country after 1994, he joined the Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO), the BCM’s internal flag bearer, and remained a member in good standing until the end. He was duly recognized as a military veteran, with his name included in the National Military Veterans’ database.
Bra Thami departed this earth on February 23, 2025, having touched many hearts with his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and his contributions to the struggle and the nation will never be forgotten.
Heartfelt condolences to Mrs Makwakwa and the family.
