Tributes pour in for Struggle icon Dullay
ANC STRUGGLE stalwart and former POST columnist Prithiraj Ramkisun Dullay (Pritz) died in Denmark on Thursday.
Tributes poured in following his death, including from the ANC in the province.
Ricardo Mthembu, the provincial spokesperson, said: “We record his name in the annals of the Struggle for South African freedom as a comrade who gave his all for his country, so that our people may enjoy freedom and democracy. The ANC joins his family and loved ones in grieving his passing and extends the condolences of the movement.”
Finance MEC Ravi Pillay said Dullay was a teacher at Port Shepstone Secondary School where he (Pillay) was a learner: “He was responsible for my first political consciousness and for a whole generation of young people.
“I was about 16 or 17 when Dullay and Thandavan Daya Naicker were arrested for going to an African area to build a school. Back then one needed a permit to go into an African area.”
Pillay said in the early 1970s, Dullay brought Winnie Madikizela-Mandela to a public meeting in Port Shepstone.
“He was a revolutionary at heart and he remained an activist until his dying days. He was also a consistent activist and critical thinker and critical voice. He did not accept something when things went wrong.”
Satish Dhupelia, the public relations officer at the 1860 Heritage Centre in Durban, wrote on Facebook: “It was 1977 and I was appointed to Port Shepstone High School to teach. When I got there some teachers warned me to stay away from Prithiraj Ramkisun Dullay who lived in Port Shepstone and was also teaching there.
“They said if you associate with him, the Security Branch will watch you and you could get into trouble. This did not deter me and I struck up a good friendship with Pritz and his brother, Ishwar.
“Pritz ran adult literacy classes and worked tirelessly to assist the black community in the area. We had many chats about politics and I respected him and his immense knowledge.
“Sadly, he had to leave the country due to continued harassment by the Security Branch. We lost touch but rekindled our friendship after democracy when he returned to South Africa.
“His knowledge, insight and straight-talking style combined with his humble attitude earned him the admiration and respect of many folks”
Yashica Padia, of the Active Citizens Movement, wrote: “Members of the movement remember Pritz’s fondly as a writer, activist, and humanitarian. We wish you all strength and peace during this sad time.”
Dullay’s funeral is likely to be in Denmark but his wishes to have his ashes brought to Port Shepstone will be honoured.