Joe Slovo Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Joe Slovo (1926-1995) was a prominent South African freedom fighter, lawyer, and political leader who played a key role in the struggle against apartheid. Born in Lithuania, Slovo immigrated to South Africa with his family as a child. He became involved in the anti-apartheid movement at a young age, joining the South African Communist Party and later the African National Congress (ANC).

As a lawyer, Slovo defended many anti-apartheid activists in court, including Nelson Mandela. He was also a key strategist in the armed wing of the ANC, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), which carried out sabotage campaigns against the apartheid government.

In 1966, Slovo and his wife Ruth First, also a prominent anti-apartheid activist, went into exile in London. They lived at 13 Lyme Street in Camden until 1978. Camden, known for its vibrant cultural scene and progressive politics, provided a welcoming environment for South African exiles during this period. While in London, Slovo continued his work for the ANC and helped to raise international awareness about the injustices of apartheid.

After the fall of apartheid, Slovo returned to South Africa and served as Minister of Housing in Nelson Mandela’s government. He was instrumental in developing the Reconstruction and Development Programme, which aimed to address the socio-economic inequalities created by apartheid. Slovo passed away in 1995, leaving behind a legacy as one of South Africa’s most dedicated and influential freedom fighters.