The South African Jewish Museum (SAJM) presents an exhibition on the life and achievements of Helen Suzman, a South African icon and the moral standard bearer of the South African Jewish community.
The Helen Suzman – Fighter for Human Rights exhibition was first opened at the SAJM in 2005. That exhibition has subsequently been updated to incorporate the final years of Suzman’s life leading up to her death in 2009, and includes a new film about her life.
A founding member of the Progressive Federal Party, Helen Suzman was for many years the lone anti-apartheid voice in South Africa’s Parliament. Suzman’s political views can be summed up in her own words: “I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights. The indispensable elements in a democratic society – and well worth fighting for.”
Helen Suzman, who retired from politics in 1989, spent thirty-six years as a Member of Parliament of which for of those thirteen years (1961–1974) she was the sole representative of the anti-apartheid Progressive Party. Her quick wit and sharp tongue made her a constant thorn in the side of the Nationalist government.
Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, Suzman’s courage in standing up to the apartheid government made her an international icon. She was awarded 27 honorary doctorates from universities around the world, as well as being the recipient of the United Nations Award for Human Rights and the Medallion of Heroism. She was made her an honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
Nelson Mandela when speaking about Suzman’s role in the struggle against apartheid and in the building of democratic South Africa said “[her role] was an extraordinary one – one not easy to forget, and one that should never be forgotten.”
Suzman passed away at the age of 91, on January 1, 2009. She is one of the truly great South African’s to have blessed our country and her legacy should never be forgotten.
WHAT: Helen Suzman: Fighter for Human Rights
WHERE: SA Jewish Museum, 88 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: until the end of February 2016.
INFO: For further information please visit
