Fatima Meer’s Born to Struggle launches at the Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation recently hosted a remarkable event, celebrating the life and legacy of Fatima Meer with the launch of her biography, Born to Struggle. Written by retired BBC journalist Arjumand Wajid, this deeply personal and evocative biography brings to life the story of a woman who was at the forefront of South Africa’s fight against apartheid.

Fatima Meer, born in Durban in 1928, dedicated her life to the pursuit of social justice and human rights. An academic and writer, she was also one of the earliest women to challenge the apartheid regime through her involvement with the Natal Indian Congress. Meer’s activism, however, was not without personal cost – she faced bans, imprisonment, and even assassination attempts. Yet, her resolve never wavered, and her legacy remains a beacon of courage and resilience.

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The journey of writing Born to Struggle began from a moment of friendship and empathy. Wajid, who had formed a close bond with Meer during her visits to South Africa, offered to write the biography when she noticed her friend struggling with health issues that hampered her ability to complete it. Despite the challenges of writing from London, while balancing a demanding career, Wajid honoured her promise, dedicating years to researching and interviewing those who knew Meer best.

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At the launch event on August 22, the atmosphere was filled with reverence and reflection. The gathering, held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Houghton, was a fitting tribute to a woman whose life had been intertwined with the struggle for South Africa’s freedom. Attendees listened intently as speakers shared their memories of Meer and discussed the significance of her contributions to the anti-apartheid movement.

Head of archives and research at the foundation Razia Saleh encapsulated the sentiment of the evening, describing the biography as, “a tribute to the legacy of Fatima Meer and her immeasurable contributions to the anti-apartheid struggle.” This book is not merely a chronicle of one woman’s life but a powerful reminder of the relentless fight for justice that defined an era.

Wajid expressed her deep sense of responsibility in bringing Fatima Meer’s story to the world. The biography is a celebration of a life lived in service of justice and a call to remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. The launch was a poignant reminder of the enduring power of memory and the importance of preserving the stories of those who fought for a better South Africa. Fatima Meer’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

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