Amina Cachalia: Indian Anti-Apartheid Activist in SA

Amina Cachalia was born on June 28, 1930, in Vereeniging, South Africa. Influenced by her father, who was close to Mahatma Gandhi, she grew up with a strong sense of justice.

Early Life When her family moved to Johannesburg, she attended an Indian school and became aware of racial injustices. Encouraged by her teacher, she learned about South Africa’s political issues. At fifteen, she joined the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress (TIYC), starting her lifelong activism.

Activism Begins Through TIYC, she connected with the African National Congress (ANC). Although she wanted to study in India, her passport was denied. Instead, she worked for the Peace Council and founded the Women’s Progressive Union in 1948, helping women gain financial independence through education and skills training.

Defiance Campaign Cachalia took part in the 1952 Defiance Campaign, protesting against apartheid laws. She helped establish the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) in 1954, which led a major women’s march against pass laws in 1956. She was arrested and served 14 days in prison during these protests.

During the 1956 Treason Trial, she supported those on trial and their families. Later, she faced a 15-year ban from political activity but continued to help in secret, including planning the escape of political prisoners in 1963.

Anti-Apartheid Efforts After her ban ended in 1978, Cachalia fought against the government’s efforts to co-opt Indian and Coloured communities. She campaigned against the Tri-Cameral Parliament and worked with the United Democratic Front.

In the 1990s, she joined the ANC Women’s League and was elected to the National Assembly in 1994, though she declined an ambassadorial role.

Personal Life Cachalia was a loving mother to her children, Ghaleb and Coco, even amidst political turmoil. Her autobiography, When Hope and History Rhyme, shares her close friendship with Nelson Mandela, who proposed to her after her husband’s death. She declined, valuing her independence.

Recognition Cachalia was awarded The Order of Luthuli in Bronze for promoting gender equality and democracy. She passed away on January 31, 2013, in Johannesburg at 82.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the People.