Theresa Solomon was a fearless leader from Cape Town who fought hard against apartheid and stood up for her community’s rights. Growing up in the vibrant yet troubled District Six, she turned pain into power by leading efforts for better housing, education, and services in places like Mitchells Plain. As Cape Town’s first black female mayor, she showed the world that change starts with listening and working together. Her life inspired many to keep fighting for justice and hope in South Africa.
Theresa Solomon was a pioneering South African activist and Cape Town’s first black female mayor. She championed community empowerment by leading grassroots efforts against apartheid, advocating for housing, education, and public services. Her legacy inspires ongoing social justice and civic activism in South Africa.
On the evening of July 7, 2025, Cape Town fell into a rare hush as news spread of Theresa Solomon’s passing. Residents across the city reflected on the loss not just of a beloved leader, but of a figure whose personal journey became intertwined with South Africa’s turbulent struggle for justice. Her life’s story invites both commemoration and a deeper reckoning with the nation’s past, reminding us how individual action can leave indelible marks on history.
Theresa Solomon entered the world in 1945, in the heart of District Six—a neighborhood renowned for its vibrancy and diversity, yet haunted by the scars of apartheid. Life in District Six offered a mosaic of cultures, music, and resilience, but its residents also faced upheaval in the form of forced removals, part of the state’s systematic campaign to segregate and control. Growing up amid these contradictions, young Theresa absorbed lessons in perseverance and unity. The injustices she witnessed as a child did not defeat her spirit; they instead ignited a lifelong commitment to solidarity and hope.
As apartheid intensified its grip, Solomon experienced firsthand the heartbreak of seeing her community dismantled. Her response was never to resign herself to despair. Instead, she transformed her pain into activism, laying the foundations for a legacy that would stretch far beyond the confines of her birthplace. The roots of her activism took hold in these early years, shaped by the promise of community and the resolve to resist oppression.
The 1970s brought a new chapter for Solomon as she became a leading force in Mitchells Plain, a township established by the government for those displaced from places like District Six. Though authorities intended Mitchells Plain as little more than a holding ground, its residents, led by figures like Solomon, made it a center of civic pride and resistance. She worked tirelessly with local organizations to challenge injustices at every level, understanding that democracy begins with daily life—access to adequate housing, reliable public services, and quality education.
Women played a pivotal role in this period, and Solomon stood at the forefront. She joined hands with other committed women to create the Black Women’s Organisation, providing a vital platform for women of color to voice their unique struggles and develop leadership skills. Solomon’s activism did not end with any single initiative; throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she played an instrumental role in unifying community efforts by helping to form the Cape Areas Housing Action Committee. This coalition became a powerful advocate for marginalized people, amplifying their demands for fair treatment and decent living conditions.
These organizing efforts were far more than administrative exercises—they were acts of creative resistance. By consolidating civic groups and forging new alliances, Solomon and her peers echoed the bold spirit of earlier South African movements and global struggles for civil rights. Their actions brought communities together, embodying the principles of non-violent protest and collective struggle.
Anecdotes from this era highlight Solomon’s unyielding resolve. During the bus boycotts, she braved the cold mornings alongside her neighbors, standing firm against unfair fare increases. She led campaigns to secure schools and clinics for Mitchells Plain, negotiating directly with officials who underestimated her determination. Institutions like the [Leadwood Creche ](https://capetown.today/the-little-givers-creche-and-kindergarten-a-lighthouse-amidst-struggles/)and the Woodlands People’s Centre stand as legacies of her vision, built on the belief that investing in children and safe communal spaces creates lasting empowerment.
Solomon’s reputation as a grassroots leader propelled her into the political arena. In 1996, she broke new ground by becoming Cape Town’s first black female mayor, following her tenure as deputy mayor. This accomplishment represented more than a personal triumph; it signaled a major shift for a city long divided along racial lines. Her election became a powerful symbol of change in a society emerging from the long shadow of apartheid, offering hope to those still excluded from the corridors of power.
Yet, Solomon never viewed public office as a reward, but as an extension of her activism. She prioritized expanding access to basic services, championing public housing, and supporting grassroots initiatives. Her approach to leadership reflected the traditions of South Africa’s liberation movements—she favored broad consultation over unilateral decisions, often convening community meetings to ensure every voice counted in the city’s transformation.
Her time as mayor coincided with a fragile moment in South Africa’s history. The nation had only recently cast aside the yoke of apartheid, and the path forward was uncertain. Solomon and her colleagues faced immense challenges: limited resources, political divisions, and deep social inequalities. She met these obstacles with a willingness to listen, a commitment to principle, and an unwavering focus on the needs of Cape Town’s most vulnerable residents.
Solomon’s influence extended beyond politics into the cultural realm. Her activism inspired generations of artists and writers, who wove her story into plays, poems, and murals. In Mitchells Plain, her likeness appears in vibrant public artworks, depicted not as a distant official but as a neighbor and friend. These tributes recall the legacy of community muralism and protest art, making clear that her leadership resonated at every level of civic life.
After her historic mayoralty, Solomon continued to serve South Africa on the international stage. As High Commissioner to Tanzania and later to Canada, she brought her commitment to justice and equality into the realm of diplomacy. She advocated for South Africa’s interests, but never lost sight of the broader struggle for human rights and postcolonial solidarity. For Solomon, the link between local and global justice remained clear—her experiences in Mitchells Plain informed her approach to international challenges.
Despite her diplomatic duties, Solomon stayed connected to her roots. She returned frequently to Mitchells Plain, attending community gatherings and offering guidance to young activists. Her home remained a haven for those seeking advice or support, and she continuously encouraged young people to pursue roles in public service and civic engagement. Her mantra, “real change starts where you are,” inspired a new generation to believe in their power to shape their own communities.
Solomon’s legacy lives on through her family—her daughter Lee-Anne, son-in-law Oscar, grandchildren Tina-Malaika and Ruiz, and brother Jerome—as well as through the organizations she helped build. The Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective, which she co-founded, remains a beacon for civic activism and youth empowerment, campaigning on issues from housing rights to arts education. Today’s leaders, including Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, have acknowledged the foundational role Solomon played in laying the groundwork for efforts to expand public services, strengthen social cohesion, and address inequality.
Theresa Solomon’s journey belongs to the ongoing story of South Africa’s transformation. She stands among those who did not simply dream of freedom, but devoted themselves to realizing it. Her example calls on current and future leaders to act with compassion, courage, and creativity—reminding us all that true change begins with individuals who refuse to accept injustice and dedicate their lives to building a better world.
Theresa Solomon was a pioneering activist and politician from Cape Town, best known as the city’s first black female mayor. Growing up in District Six during apartheid, she became a fearless community leader who fought for justice, better housing, education, and public services. Her work against apartheid and her grassroots leadership inspired many and helped pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable South Africa.
District Six was a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood that suffered forced removals under apartheid policies. Witnessing her community’s destruction firsthand instilled in Solomon a deep sense of resilience and commitment to fighting oppression. These early experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to solidarity, community empowerment, and transforming pain into political action.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Solomon became a key leader in Mitchells Plain, a township created for displaced people from areas like District Six. She co-founded the Black Women’s Organisation and helped lead the Cape Areas Housing Action Committee, uniting local groups to demand fair housing, education, and services. Her activism emphasized non-violent protest, community organizing, and collective struggle, helping build civic pride and resistance under difficult circumstances.
Elected in 1996, Solomon broke racial and gender barriers in a city emerging from apartheid. As mayor, she prioritized expanding public housing, improving access to services, and fostering community participation in decision-making. Her leadership style was inclusive and consultative, reflecting the values of South Africa’s liberation movements. Despite limited resources and social challenges, Solomon’s tenure symbolized hope and transformation.
After serving as mayor, Solomon became South Africa’s High Commissioner to Tanzania and Canada. In these diplomatic roles, she advocated for human rights, equality, and postcolonial solidarity, linking local struggles for justice with global efforts. She remained deeply connected to her community, mentoring young activists and encouraging civic engagement, demonstrating that local activism can influence international diplomacy.
Theresa Solomon’s legacy endures through the organizations she helped build, such as the Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective, which continues to champion housing rights, youth empowerment, and social justice. Her life story inspires current leaders and activists in Cape Town and beyond to fight inequality with courage, compassion, and creativity. Public artworks and community initiatives commemorate her contributions, reminding us that meaningful change begins with dedicated individuals.
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