Sunklavathy Rajbally, born on 25 February 1932, is a name synonymous with resilience, leadership, and an unyielding dedication to the rights of workers and minorities in South Africa. A retired South African politician and former trade unionist from KwaZulu-Natal, Rajbally’s journey from a humble garment worker to a powerful political figure serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a passion for justice.
The Early Years of Sunklavathy Rajbally: A Foundation of Hard Work and Sacrifice
Sunklavathy Rajbally was born into a large family, the youngest of nine children. Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Sunklavathy Rajbally faced significant challenges from an early age. As a member of the Indian community, she was subject to the harsh racial classification system that sought to suppress the rights and freedoms of non-white citizens. Despite the obstacles, Sunklavathy Rajbally was determined to carve a better life for herself and her family.
Raised in Edendale, just outside Pietermaritzburg, Sunklavathy Rajbally showed remarkable independence and ambition as a teenager. At just 15, she moved to Durban to continue her education at Sastri College, a significant step for a young woman in that era.
To fund her studies, Sunklavathy Rajbally worked part-time as a machinist at Ascot Clothing in Umbilo. Her experience as a machinist not only helped her to support her education but also laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of workers.
Union Activism: Fighting for Workers’ Rights
After completing her studies, Sunklavathy Rajbally became a full-time machinist at Ascot Clothing. Her leadership skills quickly became evident when she was promoted to supervisor and elected as a shop steward. For two decades, she served as a dedicated advocate for the rights of her fellow workers, acting as their voice and their protector in the workplace.
In 1953, Sunklavathy Rajbally took her activism to a new level by joining the Garment Workers’ Industrial Union as an organiser. For the next four decades, she tirelessly fought for the rights of garment workers across Durban.
Her role as a union organiser put her at the forefront of the struggle for workers’ rights during apartheid, a time when the voices of non-white workers were often silenced. Rajbally’s commitment to the cause and her unwavering leadership earned her the respect of her peers and positioned her as a vital force in the South African labour movement.
Political Ascent: Founding the Minority Front
Sunklavathy Rajbally’s activism did not end with her work in the unions. Her passion for justice extended into the political arena, where she became a founding member of the Minority Front (MF) in 1993. The party was established to represent the interests of South Africa’s Indian minority, particularly in the post-apartheid era, when many minority communities feared marginalisation.
Rajbally’s entry into politics was closely tied to her friendship with Amichand Rajbansi, a well-known political figure at the time. Rajbally played a key role in helping Rajbansi prepare for the formation of the MF, leveraging her strong connections with the labour community to build support for the party.
In 1996, Rajbally’s political career took a significant leap when she was elected as a ward councillor and deputy mayor in Durban’s eThekwini Municipality. Her ability to connect with the community and her deep understanding of workers’ issues made her a natural leader, and she quickly became a respected voice in the local government.
National Leadership: A Voice in Parliament
Sunklavathy Rajbally’s political career reached new heights in 1999 when she was elected to represent the Minority Front in the National Assembly. Rajbally’s tenacity and dedication to the causes she believed in allowed her to persuade Rajbansi to grant her the party’s single seat in Parliament. This marked a historic moment in Rajbally’s career, as she became one of the few Indian women to hold such a prominent position in South African politics.
Rajbally served two terms in the National Assembly, from 1999 to 2009, where she continued to champion the rights of minorities and workers. Her time in Parliament was marked by her steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those who had been overlooked by the system. Whether advocating for better working conditions or fighting for greater representation of minority communities, Rajbally never wavered in her dedication to justice.
Later Years: Continuing the Fight
Even after leaving Parliament in 2009, Sunklavathy “Margaret” Rajbally remained deeply involved in the political and social causes she had devoted her life to. Though she had officially retired from frontline politics by 2017, she continued to play a key role in the Minority Front and was elected to the party’s national executive committee in 2018.
Also Read:Marlaine Nair: Inspiring Leadership in South African Politics