A groundbreaking account that tells the remarkable, untold story of the early days of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and the critical international alliances that armed and trained South Africa’s freedom fighters, by a participant. Through vivid and detailed recollections, Sijake transports readers from Sudan and Egypt to Tanganyika and Tashkent, offering a glimpse into the heart of the Pan-African and Soviet efforts that fuelled the anti-apartheid struggle.

Fighting For My Country: The Testimony of a Freedom Fighter doesn’t just chronicle the revolutionary training camps and clandestine supply routes; it also provides an intimate look at Sijake's time on Robben Island. His encounters with figures from SWAPO, PAC, and other liberation movements bring depth to his gripping narrative, shedding light on the early conversations that paved the way for negotiations and the resilience required to endure life in confinement.
In one thrilling chapter, Sijake recalls an MK operation on the Transkei coast with plans orchestrated alongside stalwarts Chris Hani and Oliver Tambo. From navigating hidden harbours to examining Soviet-supplied weapons and armaments aboard the boat Aventura, Sijake offers a first-hand perspective on a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom. His story resonates with the courage, sacrifice, and unity of those who refused to bow under oppression.

This memoir is a tribute to Sijake’s unwavering commitment to liberation and an essential addition to the history of South Africa’s journey to freedom. Readers will find here both an adventure and an inspiring reflection on the sacrifices made for justice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in 1945 in the Eastern Cape, Sandi Sijake joined the ANC in 1959 and left for exile in 1963. Captured in 1972, Sijake was sentenced in 1973 to 15 years and sent to Robben Island. Released in 1988, Sijake joined the SANDF in 1995, and in 2009 he was elected president of the ANC Veteran's League.
 

'Fighting For My Country: The Testimony of a Freedom Fighter' is published by Jacana Media