# Ruth First

> South African politician (1925-1982)

**Wikidata**: [Q454997](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q454997)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_First)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ruth-first

## Summary
Ruth First was a South African politician, journalist, and anti-apartheid activist known for her opposition to the apartheid regime. As a key figure in the struggle against institutionalized racial segregation, she dedicated her life to political activism and social justice. Her work had a profound impact on South Africa's transition to democracy.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 4, 1925
- **Nationality**: South African
- **Education**: University of the Witwatersrand
- **Known for**: Anti-apartheid activism and political journalism
- **Employer(s)**: University of the Witwatersrand, Durham University
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Journalism, Activism

## Contributions
Ruth First was a prominent anti-apartheid activist who contributed to the struggle against racial segregation through her political activism and journalism. She wrote extensively on the injustices of apartheid, exposing its brutal realities through her work. First was also a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand and later at Durham University, influencing students and academic discourse on social justice. Her activism led to her detention and eventual exile, but she continued to advocate for democratic change in South Africa from abroad.

## FAQs
- **What was Ruth First's role in the anti-apartheid movement?** Ruth First was a leading political activist and journalist who used her writing and public engagement to challenge apartheid policies, facing imprisonment and exile for her efforts.
- **Where did Ruth First work?** She was affiliated with the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and later taught at Durham University in the United Kingdom.
- **What was Ruth First's educational background?** She studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she became involved in political activism early in her career.
- **How did Ruth First's work impact South Africa?** Her activism and writings played a critical role in raising international awareness about apartheid, contributing to the eventual dismantling of the regime and the transition to democracy.

## Why They Matter
Ruth First's relentless activism and journalism were instrumental in exposing the injustices of apartheid, both domestically and internationally. Her work inspired generations of activists and contributed to the global pressure that led to the end of institutionalized racial segregation in South Africa. Without her efforts, the narrative of resistance against apartheid would be incomplete, and her legacy continues to influence social justice movements worldwide.

## Notable For
- **Anti-Apartheid Activism**: A leading figure in the struggle against apartheid, using journalism and public speaking to challenge the regime.
- **Academic Influence**: Taught at prestigious universities, shaping academic and political discourse on social justice.
- **Political Persecution**: Faced detention and exile for her activism, underscoring her commitment to the cause.
- **Literary Contributions**: Authored works documenting the realities of apartheid, serving as critical historical records.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ruth First was born on May 4, 1925, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She pursued her education at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she became politically active, joining the Communist Party of South Africa and engaging in anti-apartheid efforts.

### Career and Activism
First's career spanned politics, journalism, and academia. She worked as a journalist, using her platform to critique apartheid policies and highlight their human impact. Her activism led to her arrest in 1963 under the 90-Day Detention Law, during which she was held without trial. After her release, she was banned from public speaking and writing, prompting her to move into exile in the United Kingdom.

### Academic Career
In exile, First lectured at Durham University, where she continued to advocate for social justice and influenced students through her teachings on African politics and sociology. Her academic work complemented her activism, providing analytical depth to the struggle against apartheid.

### Literary Works
First authored several books, including *Black Gold: The South African Gold Mines and the Search for a New Economic Policy* and *The Barrel of a Pen: Political Protest and Revolution in Africa*. These works documented the socio-economic conditions under apartheid and the broader African liberation movements.

### Legacy
Ruth First's life was tragically cut short in 1982 when she was assassinated by the apartheid regime. Her legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against oppression. The Ruth First Fellowship at Wits University and the Ruth First Prize at Durham University honor her contributions to social justice and academic excellence. Her activism remains a cornerstone of South Africa's history, inspiring continued efforts toward equality and democracy.

## References

1. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Dictionary of African Biography
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. SNAC
8. FemBio database
9. Discogs
10. Third World Women's Literatures
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. LIBRIS. 2018
13. Catalogo of the National Library of India