Alcott Skwenene 'Skei' Gwentshe (1914 – 27 October 1966)[5] was a shopkeeper, musician and political activist who helped establish an African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) branch in East London.
Gwentshe noted at a meeting in Queenstown, 'I appeal to the African as individuals, teachers, preachers, policeman and the C.I.D to prepare for the struggle in the near future.
Gwentshe played a significant role in the establishment of the African National Congress Youth League in East London in 1949.
He was a powerful and charismatic leader, making East London one of the most prominent centers of protest during the Defiance Campaign.
As a result, hundreds of women and children fled East London to the rural reserves as they were living there illegally.
After his release, he attended a Liberal Party meeting in February, 1954 where he advocated that black people have direct positions on the municipal bodies.
He was banished from the Duncan village in the Red Location (township), to Maviljan Farm in Pilgrims Rest in the Eastern Transvaal.
In April 1955, he was banished to the Native Trust Farm Frenchdale, located in what is now known as Mafikeng, in the North West province.
He was released on bail of £25 and with representation by lawyer Joe Slovo, he was found not guilty of contravening his banishment order.
In August 1956, Can Themba, writer and editor of 'Drum' magazine, released an exposé on the Frenchdale 'concentration camp,' titled 'Banned to the bush.'