One of the doyens of the liberation struggles was Billy
Nair, the son of indentured labourers, who was imprisoned on Robben Island for
20 years for fighting against white minority rule and domination. After his
death at the age of 79 on October 23 2008, Subry Govender compiled a three-part
series as a special tribute in honour of this struggle icon.
We publish the three reports as part of our information
for those who are interested in learning about OUR RICH HISTORY. This is Part
3......
BILLY
NAIR PROPOGATED UNITY
By Subry Govender
On Friday, 14th November 2008 hundreds of Billy Nair's
comrades and struggle friends gathered at the Shree Veerabraga Emperumal Temple
Hall in Tongaat on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast to hold a memorial service in
his honour.
Among those who paid special tributes to the struggle
icon who was imprisoned for 20 years on Robben Island included the Deputy
leader of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, Willis Mchunu; Yusuf Bhamjee, a member of the provincial executive member
of the ANC and former Natal Indian Congress activist, Swaminathan Gounden.
There were also former activists of the calibre of Pravin
Gordhan, who was the Receiver of Revenue at that time; former Robben Island
prisoner, Sunny Singh; and Paud Devadas David, who was a former leader of the
Natal Indian Congress.
The memorial service was held only a day after new developments that saw struggle
stalwart, Professor Fatima Meer,
throwing her weight behind the breakaway, Congress of Democrats, which later
became of the Congress of the People(COPE).
One of its leaders, former defence minister, Mosioua Lekota, ws in Durban to gain
Professor Meer's support. Lekota also held talks with other former activists.
During his life time and after he was released from
Robben Island in February 1984, Blly Nair constantly spoke out against
personality differences and factions
within the progressive forces. There's no doubt that if he was alive today he
would have spoken out boldly in favour of unity and called for comrades to
resolve their differences.
"Close ranks, unite as never before"
He made this call when he spoke at a protest meeting at
the University of Durban-Westville in 1985:
"Here I want to emphasise this and I am making this
call in all seriousness," he told the students.
“We must not point fingers and say hey you UDF, hey you
AZASM, but for us to close ranks. There is need for us not to engage in debates
or polemics not to split hairs from grassroots right up to leadership level.
"Close ranks, unite as never before. Bring all
democratic forces - white and black - African, coloured, Indian and white - the
trade unions, womens’ organisations, political, non-political, church whatever.
All those opposed to apartheid should close ranks and unite"
PUPPETS SHOULD BE SHOWN THE DOOR
Billy Nair would have reminded the comrades what the
struggle was all about:
"We have reached a situation where we have to decide
whether we are going to allow this government and its puppets to continue to
rule over us. The time has come when we have to stop it. We have to embark on
determined efforts to remove this regime from power before it causes more
destruction."
Most former activists are currently involved in a
programme to unite the progressive forces. The rank and file are hoping that
they will live up to the morals, values and principles set by leaders of the
calibre of Billy Nair. - ends: subrygovender@gmail.com Oct 8 2024
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