Ruth First was born on 4 May 1925 in Johannesburg to a family who thrived on having politics served at their dinner table.
Ruth First was born on 4 May 1925 in Johannesburg to a family who thrived on having politics served at their dinner table.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, who were founding members of the Communist Party of South Africa (later known as South African Communist Party), First dedicated her life to fi ghting in the struggle for South Africa’s freedom.
First was known for her thought-provoking journalism and involvement in Southern African politics. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies at the University of Witwatersrand.
During this time she was involved in founding a nonracial party called the Federation of Progressive Students. Her involvement in politics continued after her studies were completed.
She was involved in the ANC and was one of the accused in the Treason Trial of 1956. First married Joe Slovo, a political activist and communist like herself.
From this marriage three daughters were born: Robyn, Gillian and Shawn. First published a number of books which reflected the struggle against apartheid such as One hundred and Seventeen Days: An account of confinement and interrogation under the South African ninety-day detention law.
This book is a personal account of the days she spent in detention. In 1978 First took up a post as director of the research training programme at the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane in Maputo, Mozambique.
On 17 August 1982 she was assassinated by a letter bomb sent by Craig Williamson, a major in the apartheid security police. According to her close friend, Albie Sachs, Ruth First will always be remembered for her sharp tongue, elegant sense of style and intellect.
