Amina Cachalia, a woman of unwavering conviction and fierce dedication, emerged as a powerful force during one of South Africa’s most oppressive eras. Born on June 28, 1930, into a politically active family, Amina Cachalia was molded by the resistance struggles of her time. Her parents, both politically engaged, played pivotal roles in shaping her consciousness and moral framework.
From a young age, Amina Cachalia was nurtured in an environment that embraced justice, equality, and the fight against tyranny—values that would propel her into the heart of South Africa’s anti-apartheid and women’s rights movements.
Growing up as the ninth of eleven children, Cachalia did not initially recognize the suffocating racial prejudice that surrounded her in South Africa. Her awakening came under the influence of her tutor, Mervy Thandray, who opened her eyes to the brutality of apartheid. This awakening was not merely intellectual but deeply emotional, fueling a lifelong passion for equality and justice.
As a teenager, Amina Cachalia became politically active, focusing her efforts on combating apartheid and advocating for women’s financial independence. Amina Cachalia’s fight was not just against racial discrimination, but also for the economic empowerment of women, which she believed was central to achieving true freedom.
Rising Against Oppression
Amina Cachalia’s first steps into political activism were filled with determination. Although she was deemed too young and frail to participate in a women’s passive resistance campaign, she refused to be sidelined. Amina Cachalia joined the Transvaal Indian Youth Congress (TIYC), where she threw herself into the movement by distributing leaflets, putting up posters, and rallying her community to the cause.
Her commitment to activism was not a fleeting passion but a lifelong crusade. She took part in the 1952 Defiance Campaign, a pivotal movement that defied apartheid laws and laid the foundation for mass resistance.
A defining moment in her early activism was her participation in the Germiston march on August 26, 1952. Alongside twenty-nine other women, including a diverse group of Indian, African, and Colored women, she marched in defiance of unjust apartheid laws.
This act of courage led to her arrest and a 14-day sentence in Boksburg Prison, marking her as one of the brave women willing to sacrifice her freedom for the greater cause. Amina Cachalia’s activism during this period extended beyond race; she was a staunch advocate for gender equality, determined to uplift women across racial lines.
The Power of Unity: FEDSAW and the Women’s March
In 1954, Amina Cachalia helped found the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW), an organization that unified women of all races in their fight against apartheid. Alongside prominent leaders like Helen Joseph and Lillian Ngoyi, Cachalia formed part of the steering committee, laying the groundwork for one of the most significant moments in South Africa’s history: the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
While pregnant with her son, Amina Cachalia joined 20,000 women in a powerful protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws. This march was a bold demonstration of solidarity, transcending racial barriers, and cementing the role of women in the broader struggle for freedom. Cachalia’s tireless efforts were not limited to public demonstrations; she also worked behind the scenes, collecting food and money for families impoverished by apartheid’s cruelty.
House Arrest and Continuing the Fight
Despite her house arrest during the 1960s and 1970s, Cachalia’s spirit remained unbroken. Even confined within her home, she opposed apartheid through various channels. When the government introduced measures to create a separate Indian electoral system, Cachalia was among the first to resist.
Amina Cachalia played an instrumental role in forming Anti-SAIC committees to oppose the sham elections and contributed to the birth of the United Democratic Front (UDF), a coalition that galvanized resistance to apartheid’s divisive policies.
In the 1990s, as apartheid began to crumble, Cachalia’s activism continued. She became a member of the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL), fighting for women’s rights in the new South Africa. Her work culminated in her election to the National Assembly in 1994, during South Africa’s first democratic election. This achievement was a testament to her lifelong commitment to justice and equality.
A Personal Connection with Nelson Mandela
Cachalia’s relationship with Nelson Mandela extended beyond their shared political struggles; it was a deep and enduring friendship. Both had been at the forefront of the anti-apartheid movement for decades, and their bond was rooted in mutual respect and shared vision.
In a poignant twist of fate, Mandela proposed marriage to Cachalia in 1995, following his separation from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. However, Cachalia, still mourning the recent loss of her beloved husband, Yusuf Cachalia, turned down the proposal. She stated firmly, “I’m my own person.” This decision reflected her independence and strength—qualities that had defined her life.
A Legacy of Courage and Change
Amina Cachalia’s legacy is one of unwavering courage, resilience, and dedication to the cause of equality. In 2004, she was honored with the Order of Luthuli in Bronze for her contributions to gender and racial equality, and in the same year, she received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Her autobiography, When Hope and History Rhyme, published posthumously in 2013, offers an intimate glimpse into her extraordinary life. It serves as both a personal reflection and a historical record of South Africa’s turbulent struggle for freedom.
Also Read:Amina Pahad: A Pillar of Strength in the Fight Against Apartheid