On 13 October 1913, Thambi Naidoomobilised the Indians at Newcastle, Natal Colony to start the Satyagraha Campaign (Passive Resistance Campaign). In this public meeting, Naidoo represented the Satyagraha pioneer, Mahatma Gandhi. Naidoo was hailed by Gandhi as one of the most important figures in the history of passive resistance and probably, with A.M. Cachalia, saved Gandhi's life when he was attacked and severely beaten by dissidents in 1908.

Seven years earlier, in 1906, a meeting was held at the Empire Theatre, Johannesburg to talk about a program of action. Around 3000 showed up and mooted for passive resistance to be waged. In 1907, the resistance began. Gandhi, Naidoo and Chinese leader Leuing Quinn, and others were imprisoned. A concession solution was attained between Gandhi and General Smuts, the Colonial Secretary at the time. It was agreed that Indians would register voluntarily and Act 2 of 1907, which made registration compulsory, would be repealed.

References:

1. Chetty, K. (1996). ‘Resistance begins’ in Ghandi: Mahatma in the Making 1893-1914.Durban: University of Durban-Westville [online] Available at http://scnc.ukzn.ac.za [Accessed 01 September 2011]
2. Callinicos, L. (1993). ‘Experiences of City Life’from A Place in the City: the Rand on the Eve of Apartheid. New York: Raven Press[online] Available at www.intekom.com [Accessed 01 September 2011]