ANC activist Amina Cachalia dies at 82

Struggle veteran and political activist Amina Cachalia.

Struggle veteran and political activist Amina Cachalia passed away in Johannesburg earlier today.

Cachalia (82) was a life-long activist who joined the ANC in the 1940s and was arrested in the 1952 Defiance Campaign.

She was also involved in the 1956 Women’s March against pass laws and was later banned by the apartheid government.

Cachalia was close to former president Nelson Mandela and stayed in touch with him throughout his imprisonment.

In a press release issued earlier today, the Nelson Mandela Memory Centre said it had learnt “with great sadness” of the death of Cachalia.

“On behalf of our founder, board of trustees and staff, we send our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

“Amina Cachalia travelled a long road with Mr Mandela and his family,” the centre said.

Cachalia was being treated at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.