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Ruth First and Joe Slovo: Indomitable Spirits in the Struggle Against Apartheid

Ryan Foster

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Ruth First and Joe Slovo were two towering figures in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. They dedicated their lives to fighting against the oppressive regime that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against the majority black population.

Ruth First and Joe Slovo in the War Against Apartheid

by Alan Wieder

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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First was a journalist, political activist, and feminist. Slovo was a lawyer, politician, and military commander. Together, they played a pivotal role in the struggle for a democratic and non-racial South Africa.

Early Lives and Activism

Ruth First, A Journalist, Political Activist, And Feminist. Ruth First And Joe Slovo In The War Against Apartheid

Ruth First was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1925. She became politically active at a young age and joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1940. She was arrested for her involvement in the anti-apartheid movement in 1956 and spent several months in prison.

Joe Slovo, A Lawyer, Politician, And Military Commander. Ruth First And Joe Slovo In The War Against Apartheid

Joe Slovo was born in Lithuania in 1926. His family moved to South Africa when he was a child. He became involved in the anti-apartheid movement in his teens and joined the ANC in 1942. He was arrested for his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement in 1956 and spent three years in prison.

Banned and Exiled

After their release from prison, First and Slovo were both banned by the apartheid regime. This meant that they could not attend public gatherings, speak to the media, or leave the country. They continued to defy the ban and were frequently arrested and harassed by the police.

In 1963, First and Slovo were forced to leave South Africa. They went into exile in London, where they continued to work for the anti-apartheid movement. First became a journalist and wrote extensively about the struggle for freedom in South Africa. Slovo became a leader of the ANC's military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation).

First was assassinated in 1982 by a parcel bomb sent by the apartheid regime. Slovo returned to South Africa in 1990 after the ban on the ANC was lifted. He played a key role in the negotiations that led to the end of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic South Africa.

The Truth And Reconciliation Commission Was Established In South Africa To Investigate The Human Rights Abuses Committed During The Apartheid Era. Ruth First And Joe Slovo In The War Against Apartheid

Legacy of Ruth First and Joe Slovo

Ruth First and Joe Slovo were two of the most important figures in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. They dedicated their lives to fighting for a free and democratic South Africa, and they played a key role in the eventual downfall of the apartheid regime.

Their legacy continues to inspire activists and leaders around the world. They are an example of the power of hope, courage, and determination to fight for what you believe in.

Additional Resources

* [Ruth First biography](https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/ruth-first) * [Joe Slovo biography](https://www.sahistory.org.za/people/joe-slovo) * [Anti-apartheid movement](https://www.britannica.com/topic/anti-apartheid-movement) * [Truth and Reconciliation Commission](https://www.nelsonmandela.org/mandela-and-the-trc)

Ruth First and Joe Slovo in the War Against Apartheid

by Alan Wieder

4.8 out of 5