Book review 13: Sandi Sijake Fighting for my Country: The Testimony of a Freedom Fighter 

I have always wondered what military training during the colonial and apartheid era actually entailed. Over the years, we have heard stories about freedom fighters being tortured while receiving military training in preparation for resistance. Now that I’ve read Baba Sandi Sijake’s book Fighting for my Country I believe those stories.

When reading about South Africa’s history under colonialism and apartheid rule. There is one term that frequently appears: ”freedom fighters”. For me, this term can sometimes be misleading and difficult to  fully understand. Perhaps  this is because of the generation in which I was born. Concepts such as freedom and fighting are interpreted differently across generations and experiences of democracy. While I am entitled to my own understanding of these concepts, reading Fighting for my Country provided me a fresh perspective. 

With every book I review, I often mention that books find me. This one found me with the intention of broadening my understanding of freedom fighters and the sacrifices they made. 

Torture 

The rise of freedom fighters is a chapter of South African history that deserves recognition and celebration. It was a period in which brave men and women sacrificed their lives and left their families in pursuit of a liberated South Africa.  Their dream was to live in a free and equal society– one where success, education and opportunity were not determined by the colour of one’s skin or social class. Freedom meant creating a society where segregation no longer dictated a person’s future. 

However, in their quest to liberate South Africa these freedom fighters were exposed to immense suffering and torture. As Sandi describes in his book, military training often involved psychological hardship that cultivated fear, suspicion and mental captivity. Trainees were taught to remain vigilant at all times, treating those around them as potential enemies or spies. Every journey into unfamiliar territory carried uncertainties–and in that era, uncertainty could mean life or death.

While military training is often associated with discipline and survival skills, one of the major insights from the book is that the experience left many freedom fighters with deep physical and psychological scars. For many, these wounds would remain long after the struggle has ended.

Existing Factions Within the ANC

Another important aspect of freedom fighting that emerged from Sandi’s book is the reality that political liberation has always been accompanied by internal battles. The existence of factions within the ANC, is not a recent phenomenon. Their presence during the liberation struggle does not come as a surprise. 

What I observe today is that these factions continue to influence the functioning of the political party and often magnify existing governance challenges. One reason I find  many of these challenges difficult to resolve is loyalty frequently takes precedence over accountability. In many cases, governance appears to be centred more on an individual historical contribution to the party than on their current relevance, performance or accountability.  

This is where the ANC often falls short. The party continues to struggle with accountability and  Sandi briefly touches on the existence of these divisions and tensions within the movement. 

Looking Back at the Sacrifices 

South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994 marked the end of Apartheid rule and the beginning of political freedom. However, political freedom has not automatically translated into economic equality. 

Today, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world, grappling with youth unemployment, crime and poverty. 

When reflecting on the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and comparing them to the realities faced by many South Africans today, one cannot help but ask: 

Was it all worth it?

This is perhaps one of the most important questions that Sandi’s book encourages us to confront. Rather than providing simple answers, Fighting for My Country creates spaces for reflection and meaningful discussion about South Africa’s past, present and future. 

Thank you Baba Sandi Sijake for sharing your experiences and for fighting for a cause greater than yourself. 

I  highly recommend this book to anyone interested in South Africa’s liberation history, military resistance and the personal experiences of freedom fighters. 

Book 13 of 2026 

Thought-provoking read.

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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