SUMBOORNAM PILLAY ( SAM MOODLEY) - A BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS ACTIVIST WHO STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

(SAM MOODLEY AS A YOUNG BC ACTIVIST ADDRESSING A RALLY IN DURBAN IN THE EARLY 1970s)

(SAM MOODLEY WITH VINO, SATHS COOPER AND ANOTHER COMRADE IN THE PLAY "BLACK ON WHITE") In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the philosophy of black consciousness had caught the imagination of hundreds of young activists in the struggles for freedom and human rights in South Africa. One of those who became involved was Sumboornam Pillay, who later became known as Sam Moodley. She worked very closely with leaders of the calibre of Ramphele Mamphele, Debs Mashoba, Vuyi Mashalaba, Steve Biko, Barney Pityana, and Strini Moodley in propagating the cause of black consciousness. In July 2009 I had the privilege of talking to Sam Moodley at her home in Durban and compiled this radio documentary about her early life in Dundee, her student days, her involvement in the BC movement and her community work. I found the radio documentary while going through my files during this period of Corona lockdown. I am publishing this radio documentary now as a tribute to Sam, who is now 72-years-old.