Richard Crowe

Richard Crowe was born in 1955 at Colleen Bawn, Southern Rhodesia, where his father worked as a mine doctor. In 1973 he went to Rhodes University and studied Fine Art, English and Biblical Studies. He also joined Cathsoc and atteded NCFS Conferences and was a life- long friend of Kallie Hanekom. Richard underwent compulsory military service in the South African Defence Force (SADF) as a non-combatant during 1978–1979 and was placed in unit detention for this decision. He wrote his Master’s Degree thesis while in detention, which was passed with distinction. He lectured at Port Elizabeth Technikon (now Nelson Mandela University), the oldest art School in South Africa. In 1986 he resigned his lectureship with three others in protest against extreme racism at his teaching institution. After taking action in line with the Kairos Document he went into exile to avoid arrest. He and his family attempted to return to South Africa in 1992, but he was known for his anti-apartheid beliefs and action. He encountered resistance from staff in white dominated teaching institutions, and could not obtain a teaching.