‘He never faltered’ : ANC mourns passing of anti-apartheid stalwart Sunny Singh
Anti-apartheid activist and Umkhonto weSizwe veteran Sunny Singh, has died at the age of 85.
Image: Supplied
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed deep sadness at the death of anti-apartheid activist and struggle stalwart Sunny Singh, who died on Thursday at the age of 85.
Singh’s long service to the liberation movement included 10 years on Robben Island, work with Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) in Angola, Mozambique and East Germany, and a term as head of the ANC’s mission in the Netherlands.
ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial spokesperson Fanele Sibisi described Singh as a disciplined activist, a dedicated organiser and a devoted son of the soil.
“He committed every fibre of his being to the emancipation of the oppressed, and today we mark the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of a generation that sacrificed everything so that South Africa could know freedom,” Sibisi said.
“Cde (comrade) Singh belonged to a rare calibre of revolutionaries who placed country above self, movement above personal comfort and the cause of freedom above fear. From the vibrant streets of Merebank to the underground structures of the ANC; from the harsh realities of exile to the torture chambers of apartheid security forces, his life tells a powerful story of courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice.”
Born in 1939 in Cato Manor, Durban, Singh was raised in a working-class family and faced early educational challenges.
His political awakening was sparked by the Group Areas Act, the 1956 Treason Trial and Nelson Mandela’s arrest.
He later joined the Natal Indian Youth Congress and the Natal Indian Congress, supporting the liberation struggle even under apartheid restrictions.
In 1962, Singh joined MK, participating in key sabotage operations. Arrested in 1963, he was sentenced to 10 years on Robben Island, where he endured harsh conditions while continuing political education and self-study.
After his release in 1974, Singh was placed under house arrest but continued organising trade unions, community clinics and underground ANC networks.
Forced into exile in 1976, he trained in guerrilla warfare, held leadership roles within MK and supported ANC operations across Mozambique, Angola and Zambia, including involvement in Operation Vula.
Singh later represented the ANC in the Netherlands, facilitating Nelson Mandela’s first visit in 1990 and helping secure international support for South Africa’s liberation.
Returning home in 1991, he contributed to youth education and participated in the Codesa negotiations that shaped South Africa’s new constitution. He later served in SAPS Crime Intelligence until his retirement in 2008.
Meanwhile, Sibisi praised Singh for his courage and integrity.
“Even during the darkest years - marked by death squads, exile, hunger and constant danger - Singh never faltered. He personified ethical leadership, revolutionary discipline and profound humility. Many comrades recall how his clarity of vision and unwavering bravery inspired them to join the ranks of the ANC.”
“In democratic South Africa, Cde Singh continued to serve with distinction, including through his work with the SAPS and the Monty Naicker Foundation, ensuring that the history of our struggle remained alive and that the values of our democracy stayed anchored in the sacrifices of heroes like him. His legacy reminds us that renewal is not an abstract concept; it is a moral duty to restore our movement to the values upheld by giants such as Cde Singh.”
Sibisi extended condolences to Singh’s family, friends, comrades and all who were touched by his life.
“Hamba kahle, Cde Sunny Singh. Your footsteps remain our guiding light. Aluta Continua!”
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