Celebrating the 90th birthday of the anti-apartheid politican and activist
To mark the 90th birthday of one of the leading politicians of the 20th century, Sue MacGregor presents a special Woman’s Hour, recorded in South Africa, with the anti-apartheid politician and activist Helen Suzman.ÌýHelen was the only real opposition to apartheid within the all-white Parliament, representing the tiny Progressive Party. WhenÌýNelson MandelaÌýeventually became President,Ìýhe awarded her his country’s highest public honour, for her years of campaigning against the cruelty of South Africa’s race laws.
As well as discussing her childhood with Sue, Helen will also be talking about her experiences of being a white liberal woman MP, her tussles with those in power and why her criticism of successive Governments continues to this day. We’ll also be hearing from those who have helped to shape South Africa including Chief Buthelezi, Nadine Gordimer and Mamphela Ramphele.
