A former trade unionist, anti-apartheid activist and freedom fighter of the South African liberation struggle, she continues to be involved in human rights work in post-conflict South Africa.

For over two decades, Shirley has served as executive director of the Human Rights Media Centre (HRMC) based in Cape Town – promoting awareness and activism through oral history projects, media, educational materials and social interventions. HRMC is a founding member of the South African Coalition for Transitional Justice (SACTJ) campaigning for truth, accountability, justice, and reparations for which Shirley currently serves as chairperson.

She is the author of Voices from the Underground, a book collecting eighteen life stories of members of the African National Congress’ military underground.