Remembering Phyllis Naidoo

Michael Neocosmos

by Michael Neocosmos, The Daily Maverick

Phyllis Naidoo divided the world into “comrades” and “assholes”. She was dismissive of the corrupt leadership of the ANC, and though it saddened her that many around her betrayed the principles of the struggle, she remained fundamentally committed to the idea of human equality. She was a mother to all.

Phyllie, as I used to call her, was my “mum”. Like several others, most of them highly placed cadres in the ANC today, I was adopted as her son, something I am extremely proud of. One of the advantages of choosing a mother or a son is precisely that choice is central, you do not inherit the social burdens of family and commitment must be renewed.

Phyllis Naidoo: 5 January 1928 - 13 February 2013

Phyllis Naidoo

SA History Online

Phyllis Naidoo was born in Estcourt, Natal (now kwaZulu-Natal) on the 5th of January 1928. She was the daughter of Simon David, a teacher and principal. His occupation prevented him from being politically active but he was a ‘Methodist agnostic.’ As a result there were many interesting debates in the house and Phyllis developed a questioning attitude. From her early years her experiences did not allow her to simply take things for granted. When she was ten years old, her father took her to an Institute of Race Relations Conference in Pietermaritzburg at which she was to serve tea. At the meeting someone asked her to go and call the boy. She went outside and when she asked for the boy a very dignified, traditional Zulu woman confronted her. “The boy you want is my husband.” The woman’s regal presence made Phyllis realise that she had given tremendous offence and she was mortified. She was so upset that she sobbed hysterically for a long while afterwards. This incident awakened her, more than any event or speech at the meeting, to the evils of racism.