Saths Cooper

Saths Cooper (1950-) Teacher, political activist, theatre theorist, actor, director and dramatist.

Biography

Born Sathasivian Cooper on 11 December 1950 in Durban. He was the eldest child of Alimal and Appasamy Cooper.

Cooper matriculated from Sastri College, Durban in 1967 and the following year, he enrolled for a B. A. degree at the at the University College - an affiliate of the University of South Africa (UNISA) - Salisbury Island, Durban.

As a student he soon became politicized, liaising with other students from various universities and becoming instrumental in the formation of the Student Representative Council (SRC) in the University College. Through campus politics Cooper met frequently with leaders like Steve Biko, Harry Nengwekhulu, Strini Moodley and Barney Pityana, and was part of the movement that introduced the philosophy of Black Consciousness to South Africa.

In 1969 Cooper was suspended from the university for his political ideologies and the following year the South African government denied him a passport to study overseas. From this period on he became fully involved in politics, for example serving as a member of the founding committee of the Black People's Convention and from 1972 its secretary. Banned and restricted to the Durban magisterial district for five years in March 1973.

He went on to become the first vice president of the Natal Indian Congress and his political activism resulted in him being arrested under the Terrorism Act and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in 1976. He served his prison term at various places, among other Robben Island, and was released on the 20 December 1982.

While in prison he continued studying and obtained his B.A. degree in Psychology through UNISA. Upon his release he continued studying and completed his honours and masters in Applied Psychology through the University of Witwatersrand.

In February 1983, he re-entered politics and was elected Vice-President of the Azanian People's Organisation(AZAPO), serving from 1985 to 1986. He was again detained, in September 1984, with Aubrey Mokoape under Section 28 of the Internal Security Act.

After his release Cooper studied for a doctorate in Applied Psychology and worked as a practising psychologist between 1990 and 2002. In 2003 he was appointed Vice-Principal of the University of Durban-Westville and steered the merger with the University of Natal. He later became the Chairperson of the Road Accident Fund.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

He was one of the founding members of the Theatre Council of Natal (TECON) in 1969, serving on its executive, and director of the South African Black Theatre Union (SABTU, 1972-73).

As an actor he played the lead role of "Nate" in Requiem for Brother X in 1972.

He wrote a speech on “What is Black Theatre?” and a sketch Before and After the Revolution which were both presented at an Mihloti sponsored Art Exhibition in Soweto on January 21, 1973. These were quoted as evidence in his treason trial when he was banned in March 1973.