Wits mourns the passing of Dr Frene Ginwala
- Wits University
We extend our condolences to her comrades, family and friends, and those who were close to her.
Wits University mourns the passing of struggle icon Dr Frene Ginwala (90) - a lawyer and academic, political leader and activist, journalist, and Speaker of South Africa’s first democratically elected Parliament. An ardent feminist, Dr Ginwala entrenched the principles of non-sexism both within the ANC and broader society and ensured that women were actively involved in shaping our democracy, as described by Professor Shireen Hassim in The Conversation.
Dr Ginwala was awarded an honorary doctorate from Wits University in recognition of the selfless contribution that she made in the fight for a free, democratic South Africa. Listen to her acceptance speech delivered at Wits on 21 March 2022 where she spoke about the important role of higher education and its role in advancing democracy.
South Africa owes its gratitude to Ginwala and others who fought for a fair and transparent society and the rule of law. She played an instrumental role in both designing the vision for a new South Africa, and leading key institutions that shaped the realisation of this vision. Long may her legacy live.
May she rest in peace.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM
14 JANUARY 2023