Feminist to Know: Annie Silinga

Annie Silinga was a remarkable South African activist whose life was marked by unyielding resistance against apartheid and a focus on how apartheid laws affected women. Born in the Transkei, she and her family moved to Cape Town in 1937 in search of better living conditions and opportunities. Her journey into activism began when she joined the African National Congress (ANC) and later emerged as a leader in the women's anti-pass campaign (read about pass laws here). Despite having limited formal education, Annie's determination and passion drove her to the forefront of the struggle against racial segregation and discriminatory pass laws.

During the 1952 Defiance Campaign, Silinga was arrested for civil disobedience. Some credible accounts report that she served her two-week jail term together with her six-month-old baby. Later, in 1954, Silinga played a crucial role in organizing the first Federation of South African Women (FSAW) conference, uniting women across racial lines to advocate for their rights and oppose apartheid. She became a symbol of resilience and defiance during the anti-pass demonstrations of 1956 when 20,000 women, led by FSAW, marched on the Prime Minister's office in Pretoria to protest the issuing of passes. Silinga was also one of the accused in the infamous Treason Trial of 1956, standing alongside prominent figures like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and other anti-apartheid leaders.

Silinga continued her activism and was elected president of the Cape Town ANC Women's League in 1958, despite facing further arrests during the Sharpeville and Langa massacres in 1960. Her life was a testament to the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight against apartheid. Even in her later years, Annie's dedication remained steadfast as she yearned for a South Africa free from apartheid, racism, and state violence. She is remembered for her rallying cry, “I will never carry a pass!”