The Teenager Who Defied an Empire

At just 16 years old, Valliamma Munuswamy Mudliar stood shoulder to shoulder with Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa’s satyagraha movement, challenging racist laws that targeted the Indian community. Born in Johannesburg in 1898, she came from a humble Tamil family but carried extraordinary courage.

In 1913, Valliamma joined Gandhi’s campaign of nonviolent resistance, defying laws that forced Indians to carry passes and restricted their movement. She marched, protested, and was arrested—choosing prison over surrendering her dignity. Harsh jail conditions left her gravely ill, yet she refused to compromise her principles.

Released, but weakened beyond recovery, Valliamma died in February 1914, just shy of her 16th birthday. Her story is a reminder that the fight for freedom and dignity was not only waged by the famous leaders, but also by young women like Valliamma, whose courage lit the path for generations to come.

On Heritage Day, 24 September 2025, the Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Organisation, Progressive, Tamil Federation, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Tamil Federation of Gauteng honored this young activist with the unveiling of a commemorative bust at Tolstoy Farm (near Lawley / Lenasia, Johannesburg), which is a heritage communal settlement founded by Mahatma Gandhi during his years in South Africa.