We have just learned that George Bizos, a veteran human rights lawyer and anti-apartheid activist, has passed away.
Anti-apartheid activist has died
At this time, it is not known what the cause of the 92-year-old’s death is.
Who was George Bizos?
Bizos shot to fame in apartheid South Africa, in 1963, when he joined the legal team that represented struggle icons and ANC leaders Nelson Mandela, Andrew Mlangeni, Govan Mbeki and Walter Sisulu at the Rivonia Trial.
Before that, the anti-apartheid activist was a promising Wits University law graduate who counselled a wide range of clients, including Trevor Huddleston, the second Archbishop of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean.
Perhaps, to most South Africans, Bizos will be remembered for being part of the legal team that helped Mandela, Mbeki, Sisulu and other struggle icons avoid the death penalty at the Rivonia Trial.
The news of Bizos’ passing has quickly reverberated across the internet. Many prominent figures have since sent condolences and paid tribute to a man who stuck out like a sore thumb in a society brainwashed by an oppressive apartheid system and challenged the status quo.
Here are some of the messages we picked out:
