Struggle stalwart and Black Consciousness cleric dies aged 79

REVEREND Isaac Pule Drake Tshenkeng, a respected Anglican cleric and prominent figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, has died aged 79. He will be laid to rest on Thursday in Itireleng village near Pampierstad, the ancestral home of his family.

Born in Galeshewe, Kimberley, on May 22, 1946, Tshenkeng was baptised at St Matthew's Anglican Church in Barkly Road. In the 1960s, he left the city with four other young men to complete their schooling and prepare for the ministry at Kwa-Maphumulo, before continuing theological studies at the multi-denominational Federal Theological Seminary of Southern Africa in Alice, Eastern Cape. The group, which included Revd Nduna Mpunzi, Revd Stanley Ntwasa, Revd Amos Matthews and Revd Jeff Moselane, became known locally as the “Top Five”.

Tshenkeng rose to national prominence as a leader in the Black People’s Convention (BPC), serving as vice-president under Steve Biko. During the Soweto Uprising of 1976 and 1977, he was part of a BPC team that worked closely with the Soweto Students Representative Council, helping to mobilise resources such as transport and funding for protesting students. 

On the eve of the apartheid government’s declaration of Bophuthatswana as an “independent” Bantustan in 1977, he joined other BPC leaders in visiting traditional authorities in the Northern Cape and North West to warn of the political implications. Their efforts drew the attention of the security police, forcing Tshenkeng into exile.

He spent time in Botswana before moving to the United Kingdom, where he settled in Glasgow, Scotland. There, he furthered his theological studies, earning a Master’s degree in theology at the University of Glasgow. He remained an active voice for the Black Consciousness Movement of Azania (BCMA) while abroad.

Tshenkeng returned to South Africa in the 1990s, taking up ministry in Kimberley’s Anglican community, including service in Florianville (Floors). Friends and colleagues remember him as a principled leader who combined his faith with a deep commitment to social justice and the liberation struggle.

Long-time activist and businessman Aslam Mxolisi Tawana, who knew Tshenkeng personally, described him as a man whose life bridged faith and political conscience. “Bra Drake dedicated himself to the spiritual and political upliftment of black people,” Tawana said. “He was unwavering in his commitment to justice and remained rooted in Kimberley even after decades in exile.”

Tshenkeng, who passed away on September 22, 2025, is survived by his wife and three children. His funeral will take place on Thursday at Itireleng, where he will be buried alongside his forebears.

* This obituary was compiled with information and personal recollections shared by Aslam Mxolisi Tawana, former president of the Azanian Students Movement (AZASM) and secretary general of the Azanian Student Convention (AZASCO).

Tribute from Aslam Mxolisi Tawana

The flags in the City of Kimberley and in the Black Consciousness Movement are flying at half-mast on the passing of struggle stalwart Cde Revd Isaac Pule Drake Tshenkeng. Mokala omo tona o wele.

I first met Bra Drake when he returned from exile in the 1990s. Even then, his presence carried the quiet strength of someone who had walked difficult roads for the sake of justice. He was more than a churchman — he was a conscience for our city and our country.

As vice-president of the Black People’s Convention under Steve Biko, Bra Drake worked fearlessly to support the youth of 1976 and to warn traditional leaders about the dangers of apartheid’s Bantustan system. Exile never broke his spirit; he used that time to deepen his faith and sharpen his vision for liberation.

His life taught us that faith and freedom are not separate struggles. Kimberley and the Black Consciousness Movement have lost a giant, but his legacy of courage and integrity endures.

Robala ka Kagisho Motshweneng, ya gago tema mo lefatsheng oe weditse.

Wasalaama. Pula 

— Aslam Mxolisi Tawana

* For those who would like to read the full tribute written by Aslam Mxolisi Tawana, click here.