Ahmed Timol’s journey from Hajj to the underground struggle

Ahmed Timol left South Africa in December 1966 to perform the Hajj, beginning a journey that deepened his political commitment. In London, the teacher stayed with Aziz and Essop Pahad, taught immigrant children and met Ruth Longoni at an anti-nuclear march. His involvement with the South African Communist Party led to political and underground training in the Soviet Union, followed by further instruction in London. Despite recognising the risk of arrest, Timol returned to South Africa in February 1970. His nephew, author Imtiaz Ahmed Cajee, recounts the love, relationships and convictions that shaped his decision to continue the struggle against apartheid.