Ruth First

Overview

Ruth First born Johannesburg, South Africa May 4, 1925 (d. 1982). Journalist and author, Communist editor; anti-Apartheid leader assassinated by bomb sent by South African security forces; arrested for treason 1956; interned 117 days, and exiled 1963.

Quotations

Nelson Mandela’s Aug. 17, 1992 tribute: "Ruth spent her life in the service of the people of Southern Africa. She went to prison for her beliefs. She was murdered because of her acute political acumen combined with her resolute refusal to abandon her principles. Her life, and her death, remains a beacon to all who love liberty." (Aug. 17, 1993; photo brandeis.edu)