Whenever the conversation on South Africa's liberation crops up, the names of the usual struggle heroes punctuate every turn of the exchange. Political icons like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Walter Sisulu and others; mostly associated with the ANC, dominate the popular history of South Africa's long arduous journey to political freedom. Soweto, Sharpville and Sophiatown too are seemingly the only places that have played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid. But what about the forgotten efforts of other organisations like the PAC and the sacrifices of ordinary people whose extraordinary stories have become overshadowed by the giants? Where in the pages of this history is Mamelodi and the countless other townships that have given rise to our many faceless heroes? Ubuhle Tours are a distinct voice that sings the unsung contributions that fill the margins of South Africa's struggle history, and keeps men like Solomon Mahlangu from fading into fable.

The venue, Solomon Mahlangu Freedom Square, takes its name from the now famous member of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) (the ANC's armed wing), and a resident of Mamelodi who in 1977 was tried and hung under the Terrorism Act. But the square also marks the site of the "Mamelodi Massacre" where on 21 November 1985 13 residents were killed and many others wounded. On that day, in a remarkable show of civil action about 80 000 people marched to the offices of the Mamelodi Town Council as part of a rent protest. This, like so many untold others, is a story of everyday people, martyred trying to rewrite South Africa's history. A short drive from the square we arrive at the PAC Memorial where the names of fallen comrades of the liberation movement are immortalized. While we scan the names made anonymous by their volume, Mnqobi reminds us that behind every gold-etched name lives a real person - an individual, forever stolen from their loved ones and the nation by the fight for freedom, something that hindsight has come to romanticize.

From the PAC Memorial we visit Dr. Rebeiro's house. Our hearts swell with awe and regard for the community doctor who during the 70’s decided to record acts of police brutality by photographing victims who came to him for treatment. The pictures and videotapes he made found their way to the international community and would bring much needed attention to the severe state of affairs here at home. Subsequently imprisoned and charged with treason, he was successfully defended by George Bizos, the famous human rights lawyer who also defended Nelson Mandela at the Rivonia Trial. Dr. Rebeiro and his wife would then escape various attempts on their lives until eventually agents of the state gunned them down on 1 December 1986.

The story of Stanza Bopape, another extraordinary resident of Mamelodi East, adds more to our ambiguous feelings; on one level a sense of solemn sobriety and on another, delirious admiration for his sacrifices made for a freedom he himself would never see. His contribution to the country and Mamelodi is honoured through the Stanza Bopape Monument.

Our visit comes full circle when we spend some time at Solomon Mahlangu's family home where a family member welcomes us. They share intimate accounts of their loved one who stays alive in their memories, and not the legend fixed to the past by history and its artifacts. We leave the house and Mamelodi with an appreciation of just how abject history can actually be, but also of the courageous contributions made by everyday men and women to create a more desirable future free of such unsightliness.