7th November 2017 is the centenary of the Russian Revolution but also of the birth of one of South Africa’s greatest 20th century daughters, Helen Suzman. On Friday 3rd November a small group of Johannesburg citizens and family members of the Suzman clan gathered to remember and pay tribute to Helen Suzman, with the unveiling of a blue plaque on the pavement at 13 Eton Road Parktown. The plaque was unveiled by Helen’s daughters, Frances and Patricia (Francie and Patty).
This was an initiative of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation. Heritage doyenne, Flo Bird spoke with warmth and affection of Helen Suzman, her humanity and contribution to the fight for a democratic South Africa. We of the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation are proud of her achievements. As the Progressive Party MP for Houghton she was a parliamentarian and sole voice of opposition, a doughty sharp tongued, brave anti-apartheid activist and fighter in a white Parliament for 13 years. She stood for liberalism and justice for all when in a minority of one. When Helen died in 2009 she was lauded and the speeches at the memorial event in Wits’ Great hall were fulsome in their recognition of her moral authority and her contribution to our history. The Helen Suzman Foundation continues to work in her name.
The Wits Great Hall (The Heritage Portal)
Originally the Gavronsky family home stood on this generous sized stand, possibly an acre in expanse, when Eton Road was a street of private upper class homes in the premier suburb of Parktown. The original home is recalled by...
