Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Indian-Origin Anti-Apartheid Activist Narottam Patel Dies in South Africa
Narottam Govind Patel was an important activist in South Africa’s fight against apartheid.
Apartheid was a system that unfairly separated and discriminated against people by race.
Patel was born in 1933 to parents who had moved from Gujarat, India.
He became a lawyer and used his legal practice to help political prisoners.
One of the prisoners his practice supported was Nelson Mandela.
Patel also worked with Indian Congress organisations during the liberation struggle.
He helped protect Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in South Africa.
Patel died in Johannesburg on August 28 at the age of 92.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said his death marked the end of an important chapter in the country’s liberation history.
Narottam Govind Patel, a prominent Indian-origin anti-apartheid activist, died aged 92.
Patel died on August 28 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Born to Gujarati immigrant parents in 1933, he opened a law firm after entering the legal profession.
His practice supported political prisoners on Robben Island, including Nelson Mandela.
Patel also worked with Indian Congress organisations and helped preserve Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in South Africa.
- Who
- Narottam Govind Patel, an Indian-origin anti-apartheid activist and lawyer.
- What
- Patel died at age 92 after contributing to South Africa’s anti-apartheid liberation struggle.
- When
- August 28; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Age at death
- 92
- Place of death
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Birth year
- 1933
- Family background
- His parents were immigrants from Gujarat, India.
- Legal work
- His law practice supported political prisoners on Robben Island, including Nelson Mandela.
- Political organisations
- He worked with the Natal and Transvaal Indian Congresses.
- Other contribution
- He helped preserve Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in South Africa.