Rahima Moosa, a name etched in the annals of South African history, was a woman of immense courage, resilience, and determination. Born on 13 October 1922 in the Strand, just outside Cape Town, Moosa’s life was destined to be one of struggle and triumph.
As a member of the Transvaal Indian Congress and later the African National Congress (ANC), she played a pivotal role in the national uprising of women against the apartheid regime. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of unity and the strength of women in the face of oppression.
Rahima Moosa: Early Life and the Seeds of Activism
Rahima Moosa was born into a liberated Islamic environment, a rare and progressive setting for women in South Africa during that time. Alongside her identical twin sister, Fatima, she was raised in a household that valued education and social justice. The twins attended Trafalgar High School in District Six, a vibrant and culturally rich area of Cape Town that would later become a symbol of the apartheid regime’s cruel displacement policies.
Even as a young girl, Rahima Moosa was acutely aware of the injustices surrounding her. The oppressive laws that governed South Africa under apartheid ignited a fire within her that would fuel her lifelong commitment to activism. Dropping out of school with little formal education, Rahima and Fatima dedicated themselves to the struggle for freedom, a commitment that would lead them down a path of profound impact.
A Unionist and a Leader
Rahima’s activism began in earnest when she became a shop steward for the Cape Town Food and Canning Workers’ Union in 1943. In this role, she championed the rights of workers, fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. Her leadership in the union was marked by her unwavering dedication to justice and her ability to rally others to the cause.
In 1951, Rahima Moosa married Dr. Hassen “Ike” Mohamed Moosa, a fellow activist who had already faced trial for treason. Together, they formed a formidable partnership, united by their shared commitment to the liberation of South Africa. After their marriage, the couple moved to Johannesburg, where they had four children. Despite the challenges of raising a family under the shadow of apartheid, Rahima and Ike remained deeply involved in the struggle.
The Women’s March of 1956: A Defining Moment
One of the most significant moments in Rahima Moosa’s life—and indeed in the history of South Africa—came in 1956. Rahima, alongside Helen Joseph, Lillian Ngoyi, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, led a historic march of 20,000 women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The march was organized under the auspices of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) to protest the government’s plans to further enforce the pass laws, which restricted the movement of non-white South Africans.
Rahima, who was pregnant with her daughter Natasha at the time, marched with the same determination that had defined her activism from the beginning. The sight of thousands of women standing united in defiance of the apartheid regime was a powerful symbol of resistance. Their voices, echoing through the corridors of power, demanded not only an end to the pass laws but also a future where equality and justice would prevail.
This march, now commemorated annually as National Women’s Day on 9 August, remains a testament to the strength and solidarity of South African women. Rahima Moosa’s role in this pivotal event cemented her place as one of the country’s most revered freedom fighters.
Life Under Surveillance and Struggles with Health
The apartheid regime was relentless in its efforts to suppress dissent, and Rahima Moosa was no exception. In the early 1960s, she was listed by the government, a status that marked her as a person of interest and subjected her to constant surveillance. Despite this, Rahima remained committed to the cause, her resolve unshaken by the government’s attempts to intimidate her.
However, the toll of the struggle began to manifest in Rahima’s health. In 1970, she suffered a heart attack, a consequence of her battle with diabetes. This marked the beginning of a period of declining health, yet even as her physical strength waned, her spirit remained indomitable. Rahima continued to inspire those around her, instilling in her children the same values of justice and equality that had guided her life.
Legacy and the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital
Rahima Moosa passed away on 29 May 1993, just a year before South Africa’s first democratic elections. Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy lives on. Rahima’s contributions to the struggle against apartheid are remembered not only in the annals of history but also in the ongoing work of her children, who have continued to be active in the ANC.
In 2008, in recognition of her immense contributions, the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg was named in her honor. This institution stands as a symbol of her enduring impact, providing care and support to mothers and children in need, just as Rahima herself dedicated her life to caring for the oppressed and marginalized.
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