Liberation movement stalwart Billy Nair, who died on Thursday, was praised for his work by many fellow revolutionaries and friends.

Nair (79), passed away at 11.50am at the St Augustine's Hospital in Durban after suffering a stroke nearly two weeks ago.

ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte described Nair as a "gallant revolutionary who was unwavering in his commitment and dedication to the struggle for a democratic and just South Africa".

A member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, Nair was imprisoned on Robben Island together with Ahmed Kathrada.

"Comrade Nair was a tireless and principled political activist, who remained engaged in the struggle until the end of his life.

"The ANC will forever treasure the contribution made by comrade Billy Nair in the struggle for liberation and the building of our democracy."

President Kgalema Motlanthe mourned the loss of his long time friend and comrade, Duarte said.

Nair’s legacy remembered

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Billy Nair, a veteran of our struggle for liberation and an outstanding leader of the ANC and the South African Communist Party.

"I was together with Billy Nair when he served his 20-year sentence on Robben Island.

"Upon his release from prison, my wife Zama and I, together with Pravin Gordhan and the late Yunus Mohammed, also worked with him at the Centre for Community and Labour Studies," Ndebele said.

Nair was a leading member of the ANC since the time of Inkosi Albert Luthuli and led the ANC underground from the time of his release from prison, Ndebele concluded in his praise.

"The ANC and the country as a whole has lost a true hero, a son of the soil who dedicated his life to the freedom of our people," ANC KwaZulu-Natal secretary Senzo Mchunu said.

Nair’s political activities

Nair started his political activities in the unions where he served as a Secretary of the Dairy Workers Union.

He then joined the Natal Indian Youth Congress and became its secretary in 1950. He also served on the Natal Indian Congress as a member of its executive during the 1952 Defiance Campaign, Mchunu said.

Following his release from prison he became a member of the United Democratic Front working alongside stalwarts such as Archie Gumede, Mewa Ramgobin, Paul David, George Sewpershad and M J Naidoo.

The four sought refuge in the British Consulate when it became clear that they would be arrested for their role in opposing the then Nationalist Government.

"Up to the final day of his life Billy Nair remained a humble selfless leader who at all times put the interest of the people above his own," Mchunu reminisced.

A life dedicated to the struggle

Filmmaker Anant Singh said: "We feel privileged to have known him and to have counted him as a friend.

"We salute him for his resolute commitment to our nation's struggle and his contribution to our democracy.

"Whilst we mourn the passing of a true hero we also celebrate his rich life and his love for our country and our people.

"Despite his ill health, when I visited him last week he was still in high spirits and that memory of him will live on forever," said Singh.

Cosatu national spokesperson Patrick Craven said of Nair: "Billy Nair was a true servant of the movement.

"He put his freedom and his life on the line time after time, without any thought for the risk to himself.

"The struggle was his life and he never abandoned it. We will never forget our debt to him."

Sapa