Sibusiso (Sihle) R. Mbongwa was born in 1952.
After joining the African National Congress’ military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in 1977, Mbongwa commanded a number of units in KwaZulu-Natal. These units included the so-called ‘doctors unit’ that was responsible for an extensive bombing campaign in 1985.
Mbongwa was arrested for his MK involvement, and during his trial he famously subpoenaed then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela as a witness. Mandela’s sworn statement was read in court, the first time his words were legally heard in public since the Rivonia Treason trial.
Mbongwa was sentenced to 12 years on Robben Island, and completed his law degree during this time. He worked in various State institutions after his release in 1991, and also served on the Robben Island Museum Council.
He died on 17 April 2008, and is survived by his wife Dudu and his three children.