Remembering Sunny Girja Singh: A legacy of activism and freedom

Sunny Girja Singh, a dedicated activist and freedom fighter, passed away on Thursday at 86.

In a tribute to Singh, ANC NEC member Fawzia Peer said: "Sunny Singh, who spent over 20 years on Robben Island, was a dedicated activist and freedom fighter. He stood firmly for justice, equality and a truly democratic, non-racial South Africa. Inspired by progressive leaders and guided by the principles of the Freedom Charter, he lived a life committed to building a fair and humane society. Aluta Continua. Rest in peace, Comrade."

In a Facebook post, the 1860 Heritage Centre posted: "Dear Comrades and friends. It is with deep sadness that we advise that Cde Sunny Singh has passed away. We wish Urmilla and the family all strength at this difficult time. We will await further announcements by the family."

The family has not commented at the time of publishing. 

Known for putting others before himself and the nation above all, Singh devoted his life to justice, equality, and a democratic, non-racial South Africa, guided by the principles of the Freedom Charter.

Born in 1939 in Cato Manor, Durban, Singh came from a working-class family and faced early educational challenges. The Group Areas Act, the 1956 Treason Trial, and Nelson Mandela’s arrest sparked his political awakening. He later joined the Natal Indian Youth Congress and Natal Indian Congress, supporting the liberation struggle even while working under apartheid restrictions.

In 1962, Singh joined Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), taking part in key sabotage operations. Arrested in 1963, he was sentenced to ten years on Robben Island, enduring harsh conditions yet remaining committed to 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. In exile from 1976, he trained in guerrilla warfare, held leadership roles in MK, and supported ANC operations across Mozambique, Angola, and Zambia, including Operation Vula.

Singh also represented the ANC in the Netherlands, facilitating Nelson Mandela’s first visit in 1990 and garnering international support for South Africa’s liberation. Returning home in 1991, he contributed to the education of youth and the Codesa talks that shaped the new constitution. He later served in SAPS Crime Intelligence until retiring in 2008.

Remembered for his unwavering ethics, leadership, and community commitment, Singh’s legacy lives on through the Monty Naicker Foundation and countless lives he inspired.

IOL