Ruth Commemoration

Rhodes University, Barrett lecture theatre 2, Albie Sachs, friend and comrade of Ruth First delivered what he called an emotional talk he has ever done in his life time.

This was one of the lectures about the remembrance of Ruth First on campus. Sachs was emotional judging by his emotional and remembering words about his days with the legendary First.

He described Ruth as an elegant, strong white lady who was in an overwhelming black and white struggle for freedom and recognition of the oppressed in an apartheid South Africa. This is seen from the actions Ruth took during her living days.

“We didn’t fight to be poor or rich but to be free” said Sachs.

Though there were many women in the struggle, Sachs admired Ruth with a very special intensity because she saw herself much as a socialist, walked the cat walk, dressed nicely and she took men on a level of theory.

Sachs further recognised Ruth as a middle class woman who was more than keen to be around a struggling and workless people.

Other events that were related to the Ruth First commemoration were: “Academic Legacy of Ruth First” by Carla Tsampiras, “Activist Legacy of Ruth First” by Angelo Fick, “My Mother Ruth First” by her daughter Gillian Slovo and a Concert and Open Mic Session by Rhodes students.

“She believed you have to plan to get somewhere and she wasn’t just a good orator but explored on life experiences” Sachs explained from a perspective of knowing Ruth from the inside.

This was not just a lecture for students to only know that Ruth First was of importance to South Africa but to commemorate her and all what she has done for the country as a whole.

Sachs does not have his right arm, while in exile in Maputo, Mozambique in 1988 a bomb was placed in his car; he lost his arm and lost sight on one eye. This bomb was placed by South African security agents.

So far Ruth First’s remembrance has been a great success in the university, First was remembered with great honour.