James Mpanza

James Mpanza
Born
James Sofasonke Mpanza

15 May 1889
Georgedale, Kwa-Zulu Natal
Died23 September 1970 (81)
Orlando, Soweto, South Africa
Resting placeJabulani (Doornkop Cemetery), Soweto
NationalitySouth African
Other namesFather of Soweto
Known forFounder of the Sofasonke Party
ChildrenNester Fikile Dladla

James Mpanza (15 May 1889 – 23 September 1970) was a community leader and social activist in Johannesburg, South Africa, from the mid-1940s until the late 1960s. In 1944 he led the land occupation that resulted in largest housing development and the founding of modern Soweto.[1] Mpanza is known as "the father of Soweto".[2]

  1. ^ James Mpanza, SA History Online
  2. ^ An Overview of Soweto. Retrieved June 2013