Life dedicated to uplift downtrodden
BORN: May 17 1933 DIED: January 12 2017 FUNERAL: January 21 2017, St Hubert Catholic Church, cnr 1st Ave & Rev Sam Buti St, Alexandra BURIAL: Waterfall Estate
THE community of Alexandra is mourning the death of one of its beloved political activists and lawyer Arthur Magerman who died on January 12 2017.
Born to Joey Magerman and Khathazane Mkhwanazi, both from Alexandra township in Johannesburg on May 17 1933, he attended the Alexandra Catholic School in Second Avenue, and was one of its first matriculants.
He furthered his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand where he obtained a law degree. During his student years Magerman became involved in politics.
He was involved in the historic Alexandra Bus Boycott “Azikhwelwa” (We shall not ride) in 1957 which spread to Soweto and parts of Pretoria. Quoted in a 2007 interview with the Mail & Guardian, he said: “People like African National Congress leader Oliver Tambo and ANC deputy leader Nelson Mandela sent us messages of encouragement. It was more than just buses. It became more political, a feeling that we need to be liberated.”
“Bra Arthur” as he was affectionately known fought in the Save Alexandra Campaign led by Reverend Sam Buti and Frikkie Conradie. Magerman used his legal expertise to defend the downtrodden. He realised, however, that he did not wish to continue practising law within what he considered a racially biased legal system.
Instead, Magerman channelled his entire life into community work in Alexandra. He started the NGO Phutaditjhaba with another community leader, Linda Twala, and they did their level best in pushing back the suffering and poverty for the aged and poor.
Magerman is also widely known for his underground work in successfully recruiting, aiding and various cadres of the ANC. Magerman leaves behind his wife Gabafiwe Miriam Magerman and four sons. May he rest in peace.