Anti-apartheid activist and retired judge Thumba Pillay blows out the candles on his90th birthday cake, as his wife, Dolly looks on.
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Born on 4 April 1936 in Clairwood, Durban, renowned anti‑apartheid activist and retired judge Barathanathan “Thumba” Pillay celebrated his 90th birthday over the Easter long weekend, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues from around the world.
Speaking to Post Plus, Judge Pillay said he “still needed time to rest from all the celebrations” but was glad that he could spend time with “so many loved ones”.
His nine decades mark seven decades of legal and political activism. As a young lawyer, he was a prominent human rights advocate, representing numerous political activists and victims of state oppression during the apartheid era. He was an active member of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) and played a role in the Congress Alliance, including involvement in the lead‑up to the Freedom Charter in 1955. His activism came at a personal cost: he was “banned” by the apartheid government, which restricted his movements and work for several years.
Reflecting on his long life, Judge Pillay said, “I don’t think I remember anything that is very special in my ninety years. I just lived a normal life and tried to do what I possibly can for those who are disadvantaged. That has been my motto, not to chase after any riches but to be a useful member of the community.”
Among the many memories of a life dedicated to justice is his first meeting with Nelson Mandela in 1961.
“As part of the NIC we were tasked with transporting Nelson Mandela on his return to South Africa, following his time in Africa. Of course he was being hunted by the Afrikaner government police, so it was all very undercover. I had to drive him to Groutville in Stanger to meet with Chief Albert Luthuli to discuss the formation of uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).”
“I knew of him before that; we all heard the stories. But this was my first encounter with Mandela. The time was very tense, because we knew the gravity of the situation, but still it holds a special memory for me,” said Judge Pillay.
Retired Judge Thumba Pillay with family members during the weekend celebrations of his ninetieth birthday in Durban.
Image: SUPPLIED
Over the years, that first encounter grew into a relationship of deep respect and mutual trust. In 1976‑77, Mac Maharaj gave Judge Pillay, then an attorney, handwritten letters smuggled from Robben Island from Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada. Judge Pillay donated these two letters to the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 2010.
After the end of apartheid, he was appointed by Mandela as a Judge of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, and also served in the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons in KwaZulu‑Natal. He had the honour of accompanying Mandela to Oslo when the former president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Later, after retiring from the bench, he served as the retired judge oversight official for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks), dealing with complaints against the unit.
In recognition of his contribution to justice and human rights, the University of KwaZulu‑Natal awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Laws.
A feeling of nostalgia carries the judge away as he recalls these events, but his message remains humble.
“I just lived a normal life and tried to do what I possibly can for those who are disadvantaged. That has been my motto.”