Date of Birth: November 7, 1917
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: January 1, 2009
Biography
Helen Suzman was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. Born Helen Gavronsky in Germiston, South Africa, Suzman was educated at Parktown Convent, a Roman Catholic girls’ school, and later at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she studied economic history. She began her political career in 1953 when she was elected to the House of Assembly as a member of the United Party. Suzman became increasingly disillusioned with the party’s stance on apartheid and subsequently joined the Progressive Party in 1959. For 13 years, she was the sole representative of the party in Parliament, where she tirelessly advocated for civil rights, social justice, and the end of apartheid. Suzman was known for her sharp wit, formidable debating skills, and moral clarity. Her efforts earned her numerous international accolades, including honorary doctorates and prestigious awards. After retiring from politics in 1989, she continued to work for human rights, serving on various boards and committees until her death in 2009.
5 Interesting Facts about Helen Suzman
1. Helen Suzman was the sole voice in the South African Parliament against apartheid for 13 years.
2. She was nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. Suzman was one of the first visitors allowed to see Nelson Mandela in prison.
4. She was awarded the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1978.
5. Helen Suzman was made an honorary Dame Commander (DBE) of the Order of the British Empire in 1989.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helen Suzman
1. “I am proud that I was in a position to expose to the world the evils of the system of apartheid.”
2. “My message to all South Africans is that they must never forget the struggle for democracy and justice.”
3. “As long as the government is in power, I will keep fighting apartheid.”
4. “I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity, and human rights. The indispensable elements in a democratic society.”
5. “I hate bullies, and apartheid was a system of bullying par excellence.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Helen Suzman’s highest net worth is not publicly documented as she did not accumulate significant personal wealth from her political career.
Children
Helen Suzman had two daughters, Frances and Patricia.
Relevant Links
1. [Helen Suzman Foundation](https://www.hsf.org.za/
2. [Wikipedia – Helen Suzman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Suzman
3. [South African History Online](https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/helen-suzman
4. [BBC News Obituary](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7807932.stm
5. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/01/helen-suzman-obituary
