Farewell to a freedom fighter: Sunny Singh's legacy in the liberation movement

THE Krishna Rabilal Foundation (KRF) and Merebank Comrades pay tribute to Sunny Gerjar Singh, a fearless anti-apartheid fighter who spent 10 years on Robben Island, served in MK's leadership, and remained committed to liberation until his final days. His legacy of selflessness and unwavering dedication continues to inspire South Africa's freedom movement.

IVAN Pillay, the former SARS Deputy Commissioner and MK Commander who coordinated Operation Vula, captured the essence our late comrade aptly when he said: "Sunny Singh is one of those rare persons who eschewed self-interest. He placed others before himself and the nation above all else."

In his tribute on behalf of the Merebank comrades, Dr Ashok Chandika, Convenor of the Merebank Justice Network - the vehicle that was used to raise funds for the legal fees for the so-called Sars "Rogue Unit" and where Sunny played a key organisational role – said: "Sunny represented all that was moral and integrity-laden. He was righteous and lived   and breathed a life of struggle.

“He had values espoused by the Mandelas, Sisulus, Kathradas, Mac Maharajs, Tambo, Slovos, Billy Nairs, and many hallowed names of struggle icons of a bygone era. Sunny was the reason why descendants of the so-called Indians in SA can hold their heads high, and their fists even higher to declare that we were represented in the core of Umkhonto we Sizwe.

“He never criticized his organisation in public (the rice boils inside the pot), but he was want to say: ‘the armed wing did not have a 3% quota on Indians’." He gave a lifetime of dedication to the struggle for freedom and equality.

Barely out of his teens, he joined the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) at the age of 20, answering the call to fight against the injustices of apartheid.

His conviction and courage led to his recruitment into the armed wing of the African National Congress , Umkhonto we Sizwe. At just 25, Singh was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment on Robben Island, where he served his full term with resilience and fortitude.

Far from deterring him, this experience only strengthened his resolve.

Upon his release, he redoubled his efforts in the struggle, operating under various aliases in frontline African states and undergoing training in East Germany. His contributions to our movement were multifaceted. He played a pivotal role in opening the first official ANC mission in the Netherlands and represented the ANC at significant international forums.

Notably, he attended the first South African Communist Party (SACP) conference in Moscow in 1984, where he made vital contributions to the decision to include non-African members in the ANC's National Executive Committee.

The decision to open the ANC membership to all was subsequently taken at the next ANC conference in Kabwe, where Sunny was also in attendance.

The other landmark decision of this conference was to mandate the then President of the ANC, Oliver Tambo, to begin engaging with members of a South African delegation of businessmen. Throughout his journey, Sunny witnessed first-hand the brutal acts of the apartheid security apparatus. Yet, his commitment to the cause remained unshaken, driven by his belief in a free, equal, and democratic South Africa. Upon his return from exile, Sunny continued his organisational work. Merebank comrades enjoyed an exceptionally close relationship with Singh.

In his own words: "… and in Merebank, I was involved in political education with former BC members like Bobby Marie, Shamim Meer, Willie Lesley and Rubin Phillip. Some of these people later joined the ANC.

“I also recruited into the underground Ivan Pillay, his brother Daya, Coastal Govender, Krish Rabilall, Patrick Msomi and his wife, Jabu. Krish Rabilall was killed during one of Pretoria's strikes against ANC members in Maputo and Patrick and Jabu were brutally killed in car bomb explosion in Swaziland." Singh was also the inspiration behind the founding of the Krishna Rabilal Foundation. Roshan Ramdheen, chairperson of the KRF said: "Comrade Sunny Singh was a regular at all our functions commemorating the Matola Raid and gave us a first-hand account of what had happened.

He was a regular guest at all our events and particularly enjoyed our annual activist reunion." Singh embraced the younger generation of Merebank activists, and we drew from his extensive experience and organisational skills. Shaynaaz Essop, vice chairperson of the KRF said: "As young comrades in Merebank we often heard the name Sunny Singh spoken of in awe. Meeting the legend in person was a very special experience. His vast organisational skills and experience was something we leaned heavily on in our KRF work. He was a storyteller supreme, especially when he recounted his time spent in the trenches of MK. I will miss his wisdom and warm personality."

Another comrade, Pops Rampersad, past chairperson of the Active Citizens Movement said: " Sunny Singh was a stalwart of our struggle and a dear family friend. His 10 years on Robben Island and years in exile didn't break his spirit; instead, it strengthened his resolve for a free and democratic South Africa. We will always cherish the lessons in history, humanity, music, and arts he shared with us. His internationalism and passion for politics were inspiring." Another senior Merebank comrade who engaged with Singh upon his release from prison was Spider Juggernath, exco Member of the Merebank Book Project.

"Sunny Singh was one of the most dedicated activists who gave his life not only to liberation of South Africa but as an internationalist, for the liberation of all the oppressed of the world. In his youth he joined the NIC under the leadership of Monty Naicker. He later, under the command of Albert Luthuli, with Mac Maharaj and others joined the underground of the ANC, " he said. Today, we celebrate the life of a stalwart who embodied the values of selflessness, courage, and unwavering commitment to our nation's liberation. Singh's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in peace, and may his life's work continue to guide us towards a better future for all South Africans. Hamba Kahle Khonto, Mkonto we Sizwe!

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