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

From liberation to integrity: Ruth First can inspire anti-corruption advocacy

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

On 17 August, 40 years ago, the inveterate socialist Ruth First was assassinated in Maputo under the orders of Apartheid spy Craig Williamson.

Ruth First remembered 40 years after her death

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

The happy couple: What did psychiatrist Ingrid Williamson think and feel knowing that her husband, Craig, had been responsible for killing Ruth First, Jeanette Schoon and her daughter Katryn?

The two faces of Doctor Williamson, wife of an apartheid serial killer

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 edited a series of South African works for Penguin, bringing back into print several almost forgotten classics. (Paul Botes)

Obituary: Literary allrounder Stephen Gray was a scholar, critic, novelist and poet

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’

On a month-on-month basis, November inflation increased by 0.2%. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

The other side of the cell

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

Mysterious death: Molly Lubowski testifying before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission about the murder of her son

Apartheid killings and awkward questions

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

‘I grew up believing in heroes

When you think of heroes, rather listen to your heart

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

The outlook is not rosy: Ebrahim Harvey says that the leadership of the left

The Russian Revolution: a reflection on the role of women revolutionaries

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

In several African countries, students continue to raise concerns about affordability and inclusion.

Lwandile Fikeni’s Ruth First speech on rage in the rainbow nation is indispensable

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

Wits PHD student who has focused on the Rhodes Must Fall campaign

Leigh-Ann Naidoo: The anti-apartheid generation has become afraid of the future

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

Liberation struggle icon with husband Joe Slovo

Slovo, First biography – Bedfellows of a different feather

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

The tolerance of corruption permitted new elites to gain and hold power.

Coup by the connected and corrupt

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?

The First pan-African martyr

The First pan-African martyr

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.

Vavi questions Protection of Information Bill

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

The hidden citizens

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