Born: 1943 (Westville, Natal, South Africa)
Priscilla Jana was a South African human rights lawyer, politician, and diplomat of Indian descent. Born on December 5, 1943, in Westville, Natal (now called KwaZulu-Natal) near the port city of Durban, she grew up in a middle-class Indian immigrant family. Her father, Hansraj Sewpal, was a high school teacher who challenged social injustices, including apartheid and discrimination based on the Indian caste system, which greatly influenced Jana from an early age.
Jana’s passion for justice and equality drove her activism throughout her life. As a member of the African National Congress (ANC) during the anti-apartheid movement, she played a significant role in both legal activism and the underground movement to end apartheid. Jana represented numerous influential figures in the struggle against apartheid, including Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Steve Biko, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
One of Jana’s remarkable contributions was her access to political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, in the maximum-security Robben Island prison. Serving as an emissary for coded messages between the prisoners and the ANC leadership, she played a crucial role in maintaining communication and solidarity within the movement.
However, Jana’s activism made her a target for violent harassment and resulted in an eventual banning order. Despite these challenges, she remained unwavering in her commitment to the fight for justice and equality.
Following the advent of full democracy in South Africa, Jana transitioned into politics. She became a lawmaker and served as a Member of Parliament with the ANC from 1994 to 1999. Additionally, she held various diplomatic roles, representing the South African government as an ambassador to the Netherlands and Ireland. Jana also served as a commissioner with the South African Human Rights Commission.
Jana’s impact extended beyond her legal and political career. She was a member of the justice committee responsible for the roll-out of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which played a crucial role in the country’s healing and reconciliation process.
Throughout her life, Priscilla Jana faced immense challenges and overcame numerous obstacles in her pursuit of justice and equality. Her unwavering dedication to the anti-apartheid movement and her role in representing political prisoners has left an indelible mark on South African history.