Amina Cachalia born in 1930 and was the seventh child of EI Asvat, was an activist from Mahatma Gandhi’s time. Her family moved from Vereeniging to New Clare where her mother owned property. Amina went to an Indian School and there she was exposed to politics. She was very much influenced by Mervy Thandray, a teacher who belonged to the Communist Party and took it upon himself to develop the awareness of his students about conditions in South Africa.

She remained in Durban until the campaign ended late in 1947, but she was never allowed to take part. She returned to Fordsburg and decided not to continue with formal education. Instead she took up shorthand and typing, found a job and became politically active. She joined the Indian Youth Congress and attended classes conducted by members of the TIC to learn about the situation in South Africa and ways to overcome injustice.

She worked for the Peace Council for a while, raising funds and organising meetings. She also became very involved in Congress work and meeting people working at the Industrial Council. In 1948, she established the Women’s Progressive Union that worked hand-in-hand with the Institute of Race Relations. Her aim was to assist women to become financially independent.

For participating in the political movement she was banned from 1963 to 1980. After her banning ended she involved herself in the strugle against government's efforts to co-opt Indian and other communities present in the country. She was an ANC candidate elect for the National Assembly after the first democratic elections in South Africa.

For her services she was honoured by President Abdul Kalam at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005.