The African National Congress (ANC) was deeply saddened by the death of liberation stalwart Billy Nair on Thursday, the party said.
Nair (79) passed away at 11.50am at St Augustine’s Hospital after suffering a stroke nearly two weeks ago.
ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte described Nair as a ”gallant revolutionary who was unwavering in his commitment and dedication to the struggle for a democratic and just South Africa”.
A member of the Umkhonto weSizwe, Nair was imprisoned on Robben Island together with Ahmed Kathrada.
”Comrade Nair was a tireless and principled political activist who remained engaged in the struggle until the end of his life.
”The ANC will forever treasure the contribution made by Comrade Billy Nair in the struggle for liberation and the building of our democracy.”
President Kgalema Motlanthe mourned the loss of his long-time friend and comrade, Duarte said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele said: ”We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Billy Nair, a veteran of our struggle for liberation and an outstanding leader of the ANC and the South African Communist Party.
”I was together with Billy Nair when he served his 20-year sentence on Robben Island.
”Upon his release from prison, my wife, Zama, and I, together with Pravin Gordhan and the late Yunus Mohammed, also worked with him at the Centre for Community and Labour Studies,” Ndebele said.
Billy Nair was a leading member of the ANC since the time of Inkosi Albert Luthuli and led the ANC underground from the time of his release from prison, Ndebele concluded in his praise.
”The ANC and the country as a whole has lost a true hero, a son of the soil who dedicated his life to the freedom of our people,” ANC KwaZulu-Natal secretary Senzo Mchunu said.
Nair started his political activities in the unions, where he served as a secretary of the Dairy Workers’ Union.
He then joined the Natal Indian Youth Congress and became its secretary in 1950. He also served on the Natal Indian Congress as a member of its executive during the 1952 Defiance Campaign, Mchunu said.
Following his release from prison, he became a member of the United Democratic Front working alongside stalwarts such as Archie Gumede, Mewa Ramgobin, Paul David, George Sewpershad and MJ Naidoo.
”Up to the final day of his life Billy Nair remained a humble selfless leader who at all times put the interest of the people above his own,” Mchunu reminisced. — Sapa