Ruth First

Ruth First’s ‘activist research’ approach, combining rigorous inquiry with political purpose, offers a guide for the fight against graft

It is 40 years since Ruth First was assassinated. What would she say about South Africa today?

Ingrid Evita Williamson is a psychiatrist praised for her kindness. But for nearly 50 years she has been the devoted wife of Craig Williamson, the security policeman who admitted…

Stephen Gray made an immense, long contribution to the South African literary landscape across many genres, but it was poetry that he described as ‘the main activity of my life’

But what of the women who were employed to guard the detained activists during this time of struggle?

A book long in the making about controversial assassinations challenges official accounts

‘This book is about how I was made by the liberation struggle and how I was broken by it’

Recollections often revolve around images of powerful men but women have always been key participants in the Communist movement.

Rage is being expressed in response to institutional violence against the poor and the marginalised.

The keynote address struck a chord with university students, who were encouraged to channel their discontent and use it to bring about change.

Alan Wieder’s biography on Joe Slovo and Ruth First focuses on the couple’s relationship, their different personalities and opposing views.

South Africa is a democratic touchstone in the new Africa. We are safe. But are we? Or have we perhaps been lulled into a false sense of security?

Ruth First pursued a better life for all Africans, but she was killed by a letter bomb 12 years before the liberation of her country.

Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi criticised the proposed Protection of Information Bill during the Ruth First memorial lecture on Tuesday.

Ruth First Fellowship winner and photographer Alon Skuy explains how he interpreted the theme of this year’s Ruth First lecture.