Lukhanyo Calata is a South African journalist, author, and activist renowned for his steadfast commitment to uncovering the truth about apartheid-era injustices and advocating for justice for victims of state violence. He began his journalism career in 2005 with eNews (now eNCA), where he served as a senior reporter for eNews Primetime.
He later worked for the SABC’s parliamentary bureau and served as a news director at eNCA. In 2011, he joined the SABC’s parliamentary bureau, and in 2018, he co-authored the book My Father Died for This with his wife, Abigail Calata. The book chronicles the life and death of his father, Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four, and their family’s quest for justice.
In 2025, Lukhanyo Calata, along with 24 other families and survivors of apartheid-era violence, filed a lawsuit against the South African government. The lawsuit seeks an inquiry into the failure to prosecute those responsible for the deaths of the Cradock Four and other victims, as well as “constitutional damages” to fund further investigations and memorials. This legal action underscores the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice.
Additionally, in June 2025, an inquest into the Cradock Four killings reopened, bringing renewed attention to the case. Lukhanyo expressed hope that the proceedings would correct historical records and bring long-awaited justice.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Hometown
Lukhanyo Calata was born in 1980 in Cradock, a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Cradock holds historical significance as the hometown of the Cradock Four, including his father Fort Calata.
Father: Fort Calata
Fort Calata (1956–1985) was an anti-apartheid activist and teacher. He was one of the Cradock Four, a group of political activists who were abducted, tortured, and murdered by the apartheid regime in June 1985. Their deaths galvanized resistance against apartheid and highlighted the state’s brutal tactics.
Siblings
Lukhanyo has two siblings: a sister named Dorothy and a brother named Thumani. The Calata family has been central to the ongoing efforts to seek justice for the Cradock Four and to preserve their legacy.
Education and Early Career
Education
Lukhanyo Calata graduated with a National Diploma in Journalism from Peninsula Technikon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology) in 2004.
Early Career
In 2001, Lukhanyo moved to Cape Town and joined P4 Radio, where he produced and co-hosted the current affairs talk show True Expressions. He also anchored news segments for the station. In 2005, he began his television journalism career as a senior reporter for eNews Primetime on e.tv.
Professional Career
SABC and eNCA
In 2011, Lukhanyo joined the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as a parliamentary reporter. He later worked for eNCA, a leading South African news channel, where he served as a senior reporter and news director. His journalism has focused on political reporting, human rights, and social justice issues.
Filmmaking and the Calata Legacy Project
In 2010, Lukhanyo produced his first independent short documentary film, which chronicled his family’s quest for justice following his father’s murder. This project laid the foundation for the Calata Legacy Project, which includes the documentary State of Emergency, the memoir My Father Died for This, and a digital archive dedicated to preserving the history of the Cradock Four.
Literary Contributions
My Father Died for This
In 2018, Lukhanyo co-authored the memoir My Father Died for This with his wife, Abigail Calata. The book delves into the life and death of Fort Calata, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma, political activism, and the search for justice.
Advocacy and Legal Actions
Lawsuit Against the South African Government
In January 2025, Lukhanyo Calata, along with 24 other families and survivors of apartheid-era violence, filed a lawsuit against the South African government. The case seeks an inquiry into the failure to prosecute those responsible for the deaths of the Cradock Four and other victims, as well as “constitutional damages” to fund further investigations and memorials. This legal action underscores the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice.
Personal Life
Wife: Abigail Calata
Abigail Calata is a journalist, writer, and communications professional. She co-authored My Father Died for This with Lukhanyo and has been instrumental in the Calata Legacy Project. Abigail has also worked in various communications roles, including as a parliamentary reporter for Beeld and in the communications department at the University of Cape Town.
Children
Information about Lukhanyo and Abigail Calata’s children is not publicly disclosed.
Net Worth
As of now, there is no publicly available information regarding Lukhanyo Calata’s net worth.
Awards and Recognition
Lukhanyo Calata has received recognition for his work in journalism and activism, though specific awards are not detailed in the available sources.
Conclusion
Lukhanyo Calata’s life and work exemplify a commitment to truth, justice, and the preservation of history. Through his journalism, literary contributions, and legal advocacy, he continues to honor the legacy of his father, Fort Calata, and the other members of the Cradock Four. His efforts highlight the importance of confronting past injustices and ensuring that the stories of those who fought against apartheid are remembered and acknowledged.
FAQs
Who is Lukhanyo Calata?
Lukhanyo Calata is a South African journalist, author, and activist known for his work in uncovering the truth about apartheid-era injustices and advocating for justice for victims of state violence.
What is the Cradock Four?
The Cradock Four were four anti-apartheid activists—Fort Calata, Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto—who were abducted, tortured, and murdered by the apartheid regime in 1985.
What is the Calata Legacy Project?
The Calata Legacy Project is an initiative that includes a documentary film (State of Emergency), the memoir My Father Died for This, and a digital archive dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Cradock Four.
Has Lukhanyo Calata received any awards?
While specific awards are not detailed in the available sources, Lukhanyo Calata has received recognition for his work in journalism and activism.
What is the significance of the memoir My Father Died for This?
The memoir provides a personal and historical account of Fort Calata’s life and death, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma, political activism, and the search for justice.
What is the current status of the lawsuit against the South African government?
As of January 2025, Lukhanyo Calata and other families have filed a lawsuit seeking an inquiry into the failure to prosecute those responsible for the deaths of the Cradock Four and other victims.
Where was Lukhanyo Calata born?
Lukhanyo Calata was born in Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
What is Lukhanyo Calata’s educational background?
Lukhanyo Calata graduated with a National Diploma in Journalism from Peninsula Technikon (now Cape Peninsula University of Technology) in 2004.
What role did Lukhanyo Calata play in the SABC 8?
Lukhanyo Calata was one of the SABC 8, a group of journalists who were suspended for defying censorship orders and advocating for editorial independence at the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
What is Lukhanyo Calata’s current profession?
Lukhanyo Calata is a journalist, author, and activist. He has worked for eNCA and the SABC and continues to be involved in advocacy related to the legacy of the Cradock Four.
