Women in Solitary

Shanthini Naidoo is a former Sunday Times (South Africa) journalist who works in content marketing. She has also worked for The Times newspaper and O, The Oprah Magazine. Naidoo lives in Johannesburg and holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. The thesis, ‘Women in Solitary’, forms the basis of this book.

• Prologue; 1. The legacy of trauma; 2. Finding the women; 3. The trial; 4. Joyce Sikhakhane-Rankin; 5. Shanthie Naidoo; 6. Rita Ndzanga; 7. Nondwe Mankahla; 8. ‘Rooi Rus’ Swanepoel; 9. Winnie Mandela; 10. Aftermath; 11. Latter days; 12. On healing; Conclusion

"This necessary reclaiming of the female narrative in the resistance to apartheid unmutes the voices of many extraordinary, long-suffering women." - Margaret Busby, CBE, Hon. FRSL"A vivid, moving and gripping book. Focussing with great empathy on the experiences in solitary confinement of four women, Naidoo brings to life the female experience of apartheid. Through these deeply personal stories, she explores the role played by trauma in shaping people’s lives. This unique book is a must read." - Mary Harper, BBC Africa Editor"This book does the tangible work of elevating the many untold stories and lives of women in the struggle for democracy in South Africa. As one turns the pages, you are left stirred with visceral emotions because we are these women, and they are us. This work is important in the collective healing of the wounds in our hearts." - Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, UNHCR Rapporteur on the right to health "In this unique book, Shanthini Naidoo offers new ways of understanding the ongoing trauma experienced by individuals, communities and nation states following political oppression and armed conflict. Focused on the stories of four female South African freedom fighters, the frequently unknown or unacknowledged female struggle against apartheid is centered and celebrated. Critically, the importance of listening, telling and understanding, as a way of achieving justice and freedom, is laid out.Beautifully written, Women in Solitary is both a powerful and accessible contribution to life-story research, providing insights into the importance of storytelling as an act of remembrance and healing. These extraordinary stories tell us about the gendered experience of resistance, as well as the indelible connections between state institutions and individual actors. In doing so, this book will be of great interest to scholars across the social sciences and humanities." - Dr Finola Farrant, Head of Department Social Sciences, University of Roehampton "In this important and so eloquently written book, Shanthini Naidoo narrates the stories of women who shaped South Africa’s political life. Their lived experiences of trauma, torture, and imprisonment craft a critical lens through which to examine the complex struggles of women activists. This is thought-provoking reading that will interest organisers, campaigners and scholars alike. It has much to offer to both the untold herstories of South Africa, as well as broader debates in gender studies and critical criminal justice scholarship." - Dr Anastasia Chamberlen, University of Warwick, UK