Steve Gordon’s moving tribute to the late Robbie Jansen in the Mail and Guardian this weekend (The last blow for freedom) reminded me just how important music was to the culture and ethos of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in Cape Town in the 1980s.
Who can forget driving around Cape Town in 1983 with Bob Marley’s Buffalo Soldier, the UDF’s unofficial anthem, blaring through car windows, to publicise the Rocklands launch?
I recently unearthed some old photos which show the power of music at various UDF rallies. The only problem is – I can’t remember who the photographer was. If you recognise your photos, please let me know!
Anti-Tricameral Parliament rally
The late Basil 'Manenberg' Coetzee, Robbie Jansen's music compadre, at a Worker's Day Rally
UDF Rally, Nxolo School, Crossroads
UDF Workers Day Rally
In happier times: 'Terror' Lekota, Popo Molefe and Trevor Manuel at a UDF rally
