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

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MAC Maharaj and Sunny Singh.

IVAN Pillay, the former Sars deputy commissioner and Umkhonto we Sizwe (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, convener 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 criticised 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.

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 ANC, MK. At just 25, Singh was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment on Robben Island, where he served his full term with resilience and fortitude.