Achmat Ebrahim Dangor was born in 1948. The same year in which segregation was enforced through the policy of apartheid. Achmat would witness its implementation and the many atrocities it brought and against which he fought. He also experienced the demise of apartheid and played a key role in building a democratic South Africa whilst pursing creative writing. Achmat passed in 2020. Two years later Audrey Elster, Achmat’s wife and partner of 30 years, initiated the Achmat Dangor Legacy Project (ADLP) and in December 2024, a new website showcasing the work of the ADLP and the life and times of Achmat went live. In this article I will introduces readers to Achmat, and explain the work of the ADLP and its website (click here to view).
Growing up under apartheid and an activist family
Achmat’s parents Ebrahim and Juleigha married at a young age and settled in Newclare, Johannesburg. In February 1946 their first child Mohammed was born. Achmat followed on 2 October 1948. Over the next 18 years the other seven Dangor children were born: Suleiman; Abdullay; Yasmin (Jessie Duarte); Moosa; Igshaan; Abbas; and Zane. They grew up under apartheid and witnessed the full might of the state. Their neighbours were forced to move and their father’s shop forced to close. Their mother became the sole breadwinner and despite struggling, opened the family home to those in need. Six of the nine siblings joined the liberation struggle.
Anti-apartheid work and cultural activism
Achmat won a scholarship from the Institute for...
