Helen Suzman

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, politician, and a key figure in the fight for human rights and social justice in the 20th century. Born into a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant family, Suzman grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped her views on equality and justice. She earned her degree in Economics and Economic History from the University of Witwatersrand. Suzman entered politics in 1953 as a member of the United Party, later co-founding the Progressive Party in 1959. She served as a Member of Parliament for over three decades, during which she was the only MP consistently opposing apartheid policies. Known for her eloquent speeches and relentless advocacy for marginalized communities, Suzman was celebrated both locally and internationally. She received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to human rights and was a vocal critic of both apartheid and later, the African National Congress government. Suzman passed away peacefully at her home in Johannesburg at the age of 91.

5 Interesting Facts about Helen Suzman

1. Helen Suzman was the only member of the South African Parliament to consistently and openly oppose apartheid from within the system for 13 years.

2. She visited Nelson Mandela in prison multiple times and was one of the few politicians to do so.

3. Suzman received the United Nations Human Rights Award in 1978.

4. She was fluent in multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Yiddish.

5. Helen Suzman was also a co-founder of the South African Institute of Race Relations.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helen Suzman

1. “I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights. These are the indispensable elements in a democratic society.”

2. “The important thing is to go on trying to do what you think is right, no matter how foolish or futile it may seem.”

3. “I am proud that I never compromised my principles, never toed the party line.”

4. “You can’t defend the indefensible – anything you do, any action you take should be justifiable on the basis of human rights.”

5. “In the end, if you cannot stand up for what is right, you have to ask yourself what you are doing in politics.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Helen Suzman’s net worth at the height of her career is not well-documented, but she was known more for her advocacy and political work rather than personal wealth accumulation.

Children

Helen Suzman had two daughters, Frances Suzman and Patricia Suzman, with her husband Dr. Moses Meyer Suzman. Both daughters have largely stayed out of the public eye.