Celebrating Mac Maharaj: a legacy of leadership in SA's freedom

Reflecting on the life and contributions of Mac Maharaj, a pivotal figure in South Africa's freedom Struggle, as he celebrates his goth birthday. In this tribute, Logie Naidoo highlights Maharaj's leadership, resilience and the impact he had on the ANC and the nation.

- Logie Naidoo

MAC Maharaj was a giant of our freedom Struggle in South Africa. Recognised for his negotiating skills, his tenacity in organising work and his incisive mind, he established himself as a pre-eminent leader within the ranks of the ANC/SACP.

Mac, while remaining a humble servant of the movement, reported directly to Oliver Tambo in exile in his capacity as secretary of the politico/military committee of the ANC.

Mac was blessed with both organising skills and sharp political thinking.

Hence his deployment in 1977 to Lusaka, Zambia, going into exile to run the underground machinery of the ANC.

He entered South Africa illegally and at great risk during the dark days of apartheid to enhance the organising work of the alliance.

Some of us took care of our leaders during those turbulent times.

At the La Mercy Beach Hotel, I hosted many political activists.

I fondly recall listening to Radio Freedom which was broadcast from Lusaka with Mac being a regular commentator.

Our hearts would swell with pride as he would refer to the great mass work taking place in the Durban region in the 1980s.