Zuleikha Mayat is renowned in the South African Indian community for her cook book, Indian Delights, which was first published in 1954. The 87-year-old was also active in the struggle against the apartheid government in Durban where she organised a women's community group that has worked tirelessly for social change. RUMANA AKOOB spoke to her. Mayat and her husband hosted the late president Nelson Mandela at their home while he was in hiding. She formed a close relationship with Ahmed Kathrada while he was on Robben Island and published a book with their letters titled Dear Ahmed Dear Zuleikhabehn: The letters of Zuleikha Mayat and Ahmed Kathrada 1979-1987.
Having lived longer under an oppressive government, here's what she says about South Africa's young democracy.
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