Mittah Seperepere (1929–2010)
Why Kimberley Matters
Over the years, we have noticed that many of our guests—whether visiting Kimberley for business or leisure—have wondered why this remarkable city has played such an important role in South Africa's history over the past 160 years.
These pages invite you on a coffee-table journey through Kimberley's past, from the discovery of the Eureka Diamond in 1867 and the Great Diamond Rush, through wars, political change and the rise of the world's diamond industry, to the city we know today. They are not intended to be an academic history, but rather an enjoyable introduction to the people, places and events that shaped Kimberley.
So, make yourself comfortable, pour a cappuccino or a cup of chai, and enjoy exploring the remarkable story of one of South Africa's most fascinating cities.
Mittah Seperepere devoted more than forty years to South Africa's liberation struggle before serving in the country's first democratic Parliament. Source unknown.
Kimberley's Daughter of Exile and Freedom
Mittah Seperepere, affectionately known by her maiden name "Goeieman", devoted over four decades of her life to South Africa's struggle for freedom. Born near Kimberley in 1929, she became an organiser, political activist, diplomat, parliamentarian and community leader whose work stretched from the streets of Galeshewe to African National Congress (ANC) missions across Africa and Europe. In recognition of her lifelong service, she was posthumously awarded the Order of Luthuli (Bronze) in 2014, one of South Africa's highest civilian honours.
Growing Up Near Kimberley
Mittah Goeieman was born at Riverton, just outside Kimberley, on 28 December 1929. As a young woman, she was inspired by the ANC Youth League's Programme of Action adopted in 1949, which called for mass action against apartheid. She soon became involved in organising women against the hated pass laws. Working closely with Dr Arthur Letele, Mary Letele and Monica Matshediso, she helped build the African National Congress and the ANC Women's League in Kimberley and Galeshewe. As Secretary of the ANC's Galeshewe branch and an active member of the Youth League, she also became involved in underground resistance activities. These activities eventually led to her imprisonment in 1965.
Years in Exile
Following her release from prison in 1966, Mittah and her husband, Maruping Seperepere, left South Africa for Botswana before beginning more than twenty years in exile. She lived and worked in Tanzania, Zambia, and East Germany, becoming one of the ANC's leading international representatives. While serving as an ANC welfare officer in Tanzania, she established a primary school at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO), the school established by the ANC for South African children living in exile.
In October 1981, she and fellow activist Dulcie September represented the ANC Women's Section at the World Congress of Women for Equality, National Independence and Peace in Prague, then part of Czechoslovakia.
During the final years of apartheid, Mittah Seperepere served as the ANC's Chief Representative in Madagascar, with diplomatic responsibility for much of the Indian Ocean region. Long before democratic South Africa established embassies there, she helped build international support for the anti-apartheid movement and laid the foundations for future diplomatic relationships.
Returning Home
Following the unbanning of the ANC in 1990, Mittah Seperepere returned to South Africa after more than two decades abroad. She served as a Member of the National Assembly from 1994 to 1999 before returning to the Northern Cape, where she devoted herself to community development, tourism and local projects around Kimberley and Warrenton. Her commitment to public service continued until her death on 30 October 2010.
Did You Know?
In 2014, Mittah Seperepere was posthumously awarded the Order of Luthuli (Bronze) for her exceptional contribution to democracy, human rights and the struggle against apartheid.
Voices for Social Change in Kimberley
Kgosi Galeshewe, Kgosi Jantjie & Kgosi Toto - defenders of land and independence
Olive Schreiner – novelist, feminist and social critic
Sol Plaatje – writer, journalist and founding political leader
Arthur & Mary Letele – medical pioneers and community leaders
ZK Matthews – educator, lawyer and constitutional thinker
Frances Baard – trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist
Robert Sobukwe – political thinker and pan-Africanist leader
Mittah Seperepere – organiser, diplomat and parliamentarian
A Lasting Legacy
Mittah Seperepere's contribution has been recognised in many ways. In 2012, Kimberley's International Convention Centre, overlooking the Big Hole, was renamed the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in her honour.
Today, visitors attending conferences and events at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre encounter the name of one of Kimberley's most remarkable daughters—a woman whose journey took her from Riverton and Galeshewe to the international struggle against apartheid before bringing her home to help build a democratic South Africa.
Continue Exploring Kimberley
Whether your interests lie in history, culture, dining, shopping, entertainment, or simply discovering somewhere new, we hope these guides help you make the most of your time in Kimberley. If you're planning a visit to the City that Sparkles, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers elegant accommodation in the historic suburb of Beaconsfield. Ideally situated for business and leisure travellers alike, The Solomon provides a comfortable base from which to explore.