Dr Mathews Phosa, a legal expert and veteran of the liberation struggle, candidly discusses his book, Witness to Power: A Political Memoir, during its launch at the University of Limpopo in Freedom Month, April 2025. Photos: Mohau Seleka
By Nyeleti Mabasa – ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Dr Mathews Phosa, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Limpopo (UL), returned to his roots to launch his latest book, Witness to Power: A Political Memoir
The event took place at UL—formerly the University of the North (UNIN)—where Dr Phosa’s legal career began in the 1970s.
During the book launch, Dr Phosa spoke openly about the events that inspired his writing, providing a compelling narrative on South Africa’s political evolution.
A prominent figure in the liberation struggle, Dr Phosa was involved in the Black Consciousness Movement, the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the African National Congress (ANC). After going into exile in 1985, he became an Umkhonto weSizwe commander in Mozambique. He studied law alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa during their time as students at UNIN, now UL.
Witness to Power explores Dr Phosa’s experiences in underground resistance, military operations, political negotiations, and leadership challenges. The memoir offers unique insights into the inner workings of the ANC and its key leaders, authored by someone deeply embedded in these historical events.
“The truth you tell. The lies you remember,” Dr Phosa remarked during the launch. “In the book, I try to shine the light of President Nelson Mandela onto the current President Cyril Ramaphosa. I knew this would be controversial and sometimes unflattering, but I had to be brutally honest.”
He provided a critical yet balanced perspective on post-apartheid South Africa, acknowledging achievements while pointing out missed opportunities. “In the past 30 years, we’ve had many successes, but we have also experienced numerous lost opportunities—often due to prioritising party interests over national interests. Our failure to tackle corruption and inequality has come at a significant cost, particularly with the rise of the coalition government,” he remarked.
Dr Phosa also encouraged fellow South Africans to document their experiences. “We need to write more and celebrate our stories more,” he urged. Stressing the importance of national self-reliance, he added, “South Africa must cease depending on others. We must discover our paths to improvement.”
He acknowledged UL’s role in developing professionals and fostering intellectual discourse in the country. “A law firm established by Black lawyers, some of whom studied right here at UL, exemplifies the quality of education this university offers.”
Representing Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MEC for Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Hon Jerry Maseko, commended the event and reaffirmed the province’s dedication to supporting local authors. “We are committed to engaging and supporting our authors. We take pride in the fact that our stories are being told,” he said.
UL Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong (right), and Dr Mathews Phosa reunite in reflection and celebration as their decades-long friendship, which began during their student days at UL, comes full circle at the launch of Witness to Power.
UL Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, shared heartfelt reflections on his long-standing friendship with Dr Phosa, which began during their student years. “We’ve known each other for a very long time. It shows he hasn’t forgotten his roots,” he said. He praised the memoir as a bridge between generations, describing it as “well-written, rich, and the kind of book you just want to keep reading.”
UL Librarian Mahlatse Rapau voiced concern about the decline of libraries and the scarcity of locally produced literature. He hailed Witness to Power as a vital contribution to national memory and an authentic reflection of South African voices.
The launch of Witness to Power: A Political Memoir drew a diverse audience—including politicians, students, UL staff, and government officials—who engaged Dr Mathews Phosa on current affairs and the inspirations behind his writing.
Among the audience was Keamogetswe Kekana, a second-year BA student in Translation and Linguistics, who felt inspired by Dr Phosa’s message. “Listening to Dr Phosa made me realise the importance of preserving our stories and truth,” she said. “Translation is not just about words; it encompasses meaning, culture, and history. His words inspired me to reflect on how we, as translation students, contribute to preserving and shaping the narratives that define future generations.”