TOTI Clotilda Nxasana, affectionately known as Ma'm Nxasana, passed away on Sunday, February 5, at the age of 75 years old.

She is well-known for her contribution to the political struggle during the apartheid era. She fought the injustices of former president John Vorster's government and took the then justice minister Jimmy Kruger and the national commissioner of the South African Police to court, where they appeared before a judge when Ma'm Nxasana lodged a complaint about the assault of her late husband, Bhekisisa Nxasana.

He was arrested for political reasons, especially for being one of the leaders who formed the Metal and Allied Workers Union as well as the National Union of Textile Workers.

Bhekisisa was also one of the leaders of the ANC's underground structures in KwaZulu-Natal. While in custody he was assaulted by police .

Ma'm Nxasana was refused the right to see him in prison and she was told mockingly by the police that "we have killed him".

They even gave her back his clothes which were torn and drenched in blood.

This was the case she fought passionately and victoriously against the justice minister and the national commissioner of the South African Police.

This victory resulted in Bhekisisa and fellow detainees being given a chance to be seen by a doctor, chief magistrate and their wives.

Ma'm Nxasana obtained a teacher's diploma and BA at the university of Zululand, and BEd at the University of Natal.

She also played a critical role in the KwaZulu-Natal education, particularly in KwaNongoma.

Ma'm Nxasana was one of the first women to be in the management of higher education in KZN. She was also one of those who led the project of reopening Mlokothwa High School in 1984.

Two of her other children passed away before her and she is survived by three daughters, three sons and 36 grandchildren.

She will be buried tomorrow. The funeral service will be held at Zwelethu Methodist Church at Section V of uMlazi Township, Durban, at 10am.