Florence Matomela

Florence Matomela OLG (1910–1969) was a South African anti-pass law activist, communist, civil rights campaigner, ANC veteran, teacher and mother who dedicated her life to fighting against Apartheid laws in South Africa.

Due to the growing number of male migration away from rural Eastern Cape, many women were left without enough resources to sustain themselves and their children.

The women sold their surplus produce such as sorghum, maize and wheat to traders to try and purchase their basic needs.

The arrest of women from the community increased their solidarity and ultimately, traders agreed to regulate prices.

The reference book held the holders identity, employment, place of legal residence, tax payments and if applicable permission to be in urban areas.

[3] Florence Matomela, along with Frances Baard, Hilda Tshaka, Talita Chaba and Christina Jasson played a major role in organising the Defiance Campaign in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth.

[4] There were police informants who attended these meetings and they reported that Matomela was one of the most effective and militant speakers in New Brighton.

[5] Florence Matomela and another 34 activists were arrested in Port Elizabeth due to their participation in the Defiance Campaign.

[8][9] The ANC regional offices in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape are named Florence Matomela House.

[11] A year long exhibition curated by Nomabaso Bedeshe was held at Red Location Museum honouring Florence Matomela, Nontuthuzelo Mabala, Veronica Sobukwe, Lilian Diedricks and Nosipho Dastile.