Their first task was to stand against what they deemed were unfair rental systems that were proposed by the Eastern Cape Administration Board.
His wife, Nomonde Calata, lost her job at the Cradock Provincial Hospital after she was found wearing the campaign t-shirt.
In December 1983, he received a letter from the government notifying him of his removal from permanent staff at Sam Xhali and placed on probation for 12 months.
Calata was informed on 21 August while in detention that he was dismissed from his teaching post due to violating the Education Act of 1979.
Upon his release, he continued his political activities and was involved in mass actions against apartheid education and other discriminatory laws including Black Local Authorities, the Tricameral Parliament and influx control.
The following day Calata, Goniwe, Sparrow Mkhonto and Sicelo Mhlauli drove to Port Elizabeth to attend a United Democratic Front meeting.
[2][4][7] A funeral was held for Goniwe, Calata, Mkhonto and Mhlauli on 20 July 1985 where Allan Boesak, Beyers Naudé and Steve Tshwete gave keynote addresses.