Jansie Lourens is a former South African freedom fighter who participated in the anti-apartheid struggle as a member of the African National Congress (ANC).
She was also the first wife of Carl Niehaus, former ANC spokesman and Nelson Mandela. She was convicted of treason and served four years in prison for her political activities.
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- Full name: Jansie Lourens
- Date of birth: None
- Age: 60
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: None
- Height: 5’9″Parents: N/A
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Carl Niehaus (divorced 2002)
- Children: None
- Relationship status: None
- Net worth: N/A
Early life and education
Jansie Lourens’ early life and education are better documented. She met Carl Niehaus when they were both students at Rand Afrikaans University in the early 1980s.
They fell in love and joined the ANC, which was banned by the apartheid regime. They were influenced by the ideals of liberation and social justice and decided to join the armed struggle against the oppressive regime.
Personal life
Jansie Lourens and Carl Niehaus were arrested in 1983 for allegedly planning to blow up the Johannesburg gas plant.
They were convicted of treason and sentenced to 15 years in prison and four years in jail. Niehaus incriminated himself and Lourens by accidentally using his police-issued camera to take a photo of his intended target while traveling in a police car.
They were also accused of recruiting white men as spies for the ANC and helping four young black men flee into exile.
Lourens and Niehaus married in prison in 1986. They also completed a theology degree at Unisa while incarcerated.
Lourens completed his four-year prison sentence and was released in 1989. Niehaus served nearly eight years along with other ANC political prisoners and was released in 1991. The couple divorced in 2002 and Niehaus married Linda Thango.
Career
Jansie Lourens’ career after prison remains unclear. She has stayed away from politics and public attention.
She is only mentioned in passing in her ex-husband’s biography, which does not acknowledge that she was the one who pushed him to join the ANC.
She has not written a book or appeared in a film or documentary about her life and experiences.
Net worth
Jansie Lourens’ net worth is not yet recorded. She may have inherited her wealth from her family or earned some income from her profession.
She may also have received compensation or recognition from the ANC or government for her role in the liberation struggle.
Argumentative
Jansie Lourens was involved in a controversial treason trial that attracted international attention and condemnation.
She and her fiancé, Carl Niehaus, were accused by the apartheid regime of being terrorists and traitors.
They were also viewed as traitors and rebels by some whites who supported the status quo, and faced harsh prison conditions and isolation for their political beliefs.
Social media
- Instagram Name: None
- Twitter Username: None
