Meer, Fatima (1928–)
Meer, Fatima (1928–)
Indian South African anti-apartheid activist. Born Aug 28, 1928, in Durban, South Africa; dau. of Moosa Meer, editor of Indian Views, a weekly newspaper aimed at Gujarti-speaking Muslim communities; University of Natal, MA in sociology; m. Ismail Meer (1918–2000, South African Indian political activist); children, including Rashid Meer.
Noted for dedication to non-violence, vehement defense of human rights, and commitment to racial integration and harmony, taught sociology at University of Natal (from 1959); participated in Defiance Campaign and helped to found Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW); was banned (1952–54); banned once more after election to presidency of FEDSAW and for trying to organize a rally for Steve Biko (1975); survived an assassination attempt (1976); her son Rashid was forced into exile (1976–86); was detained under Internal Security Act (1982) and prevented from traveling and publishing after release; wrote and produced dance drama Ahimsa Ubuntu (1995); founded and directed Institute for Black Research at University of Natal; wrote more than 40 books, including Portrait of Indian South Africans, Apprenticeship of a Mahatma, and Higher Than Hope.
See also Ismail Meer, A Fortunate Man-Ismail Meer (2002).