Freedom fighter Shanthie Naidoo passed away
Freedom fighter Shanthavathi “Shanthie” Naidoo-Tweedie passed away Thursday at the age of 91 in Johannesburg.
Her political lineage spanning four generations of continuous activism is instructive in unpacking her fearless and defiant spirit.
She recounted to Shanthini Naidoo, author of the acclaimed “Women in Solitary”, her refusal to sell out her comrades, Winnie Mandela and Joyce Sikakhane, in their 1969 trial under the Suppression of Communism Act: “I have two friends among the accused. I don't want to give evidence because I will not be able to live with my conscience if I do.”
The trial subsequently collapsed for lack of evidence. Shanthie was held in brutal detention for more than 371 days, most of which was in solitary confinement.
