President Ramaphosa Pays Tribute to Leon Levy, 1956 Treason Trial Accused and Freedom Charter Signatory, Passes Away
Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing of struggle veteran Leon Levy, who died at the age of 96 in Cape Town. Levy, the last surviving signatory of the Freedom Charter and one of the accused in the historic 1956 Treason Trial, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to justice and equality. The president offered condolences to Levy’s family and friends, noting the profound impact of his life alongside his identical twin brother Norman, who passed away in July 2021. As South Africa marks 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter and 30 years of its Constitution, Levy’s contributions remind the nation of the sacrifices made for freedom.
A Life Dedicated to the Struggle: Leon Levy’s Early Years and Activism
Leon Levy was born in Johannesburg in 1929 to parents who had emigrated from Lithuania, growing up in a time when racial injustice defined South African society. From a young age, he showed a strong sense of fairness, joining the Communist Party of South Africa as a teenager at just 17 years old. This early involvement set the stage for a lifetime of activism, where he fought against apartheid’s harsh laws and worked to build a better future for all.
Levy became a trade unionist at 24, two years before he helped establish the South African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU) in 1955. He rose to become its president, championing workers’ rights in factories and mines where black labourers faced exploitation and danger. His efforts focused on fair wages, safe conditions, and unity among workers from different backgrounds, laying groundwork for the broader fight against oppression. For someone trying to understand his drive, imagine a young man seeing friends suffer daily injustices and deciding to stand up, knowing it could cost him everything – that was Levy’s spirit.
Key Role in Historic Events: The Freedom Charter and Treason Trial
Levy was a central figure in the Congress of the People, a landmark gathering in Kliptown on 26 June 1955 where thousands adopted the Freedom Charter. As a SACTU representative, he was one of six signatories, alongside icons like ANC President Chief Albert Luthuli, Jimmy La Guma of the South African Coloured People’s Congress, Monty Naicker of the Natal Indian Congress, and Pieter Beyleveld of the Congress of Democrats. The Charter, a blueprint for a democratic South Africa, proclaimed ideals like “The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth” and “All Shall Be Equal Before the Law,” ideas that later shaped the nation’s Constitution.
Just 18 months later, in December 1956, Levy was arrested in a nationwide crackdown on anti-apartheid leaders. As Accused No. 4 in the Treason Trial, he faced charges of high treason alongside 155 others, including Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. The trial, which lasted until 1961, carried the risk of the death penalty. Levy’s twin brother Norman was also charged but discharged early, while Leon endured the full ordeal before being acquitted. The brothers’ unbreakable bond shone through, with their shared activism symbolising family strength in the face of tyranny.
Exile and Return: Continuing the Fight from Afar
After the trial, Levy remained active but faced increasing harassment. He endured two periods of detention without trial, a common tactic used by the apartheid regime to silence dissenters. In 1963, he fled into exile in England, where Norman joined him after serving a three-year sentence under the Suppression of Communism Act. From abroad, the brothers continued supporting the liberation movement, raising awareness and funds for the ANC and other groups.
Levy’s exile lasted nearly three decades, a time of personal sacrifice where he built a new life but never forgot his homeland. He returned to South Africa in the 1990s after the unbanning of political organisations, settling in Cape Town. In his later years, he reflected on his experiences in his memoir “Back to the Front,” sharing stories of resistance that inspired younger generations. Levy embodied the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam – repairing the world – through his lifelong dedication to social justice, proving that activism knows no borders.
President’s Tribute: Honouring a Generation of Heroes
President Ramaphosa paid heartfelt tribute to Levy, describing his passing as a “sad moment” for South Africa. He highlighted Levy’s roles in the struggle, from trade union leadership to his contributions to the Freedom Charter and Treason Trial. “Leon Levy was part of a generation whose contributions to a better life and a better world for all South Africans and humanity globally must never be forgotten or dishonoured,” the president said.
Ramaphosa noted the timing, as 2026 marks 70 years since the Treason Trial and 30 years of the Constitution, both deeply influenced by Levy’s work. He extended sympathies to Levy’s family, acknowledging the shared legacy with his brother Norman. This recognition underscores how veterans like Levy paved the way for today’s freedoms, reminding the nation to honour their sacrifices amid ongoing challenges like inequality and corruption.
Legacy of Courage: Inspiring Future Generations
Levy’s life story is a testament to bravery and principle. From joining the Communist Party as a teen to standing trial for his beliefs, he never wavered in his fight for equality. His involvement in key events like the 1946 African Mine Workers’ Strike, the 1952 Defiance Campaign, and the 1956 Women’s March showed his broad commitment to justice. Even in exile, he supported global anti-apartheid efforts, contributing to the pressure that ended the regime.
Today, his memoir and stories serve as educational tools, teaching youth about the struggle’s human side. In a South Africa still grappling with poverty and division, Levy’s example calls for continued activism to fulfil the Freedom Charter’s vision. For families and communities, his passing is a loss but also a moment to reflect on progress and the work ahead.
Community and National Mourning: Calls to Remember and Act
As news of Levy’s death spreads, communities in Cape Town and Johannesburg plan memorials to celebrate his life. Activists urge the government to preserve sites like Kliptown and educate on the Charter’s ideals. His family, while grieving, finds comfort in his enduring impact.
In closing, President Ramaphosa’s words echo the nation’s sentiment: “May his soul rest in peace.” Levy’s journey from a young activist to a revered elder inspires all to carry the torch of justice, ensuring his fight was not in vain.
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