Parliament - The Speaker of Parliament's National Assembly, Gwendoline Mahlangu-Nkabinde, has paid tribute to the late Helen Suzman saying she was a pioneer of the South African Parliament.
"For three decades Suzman was a lone voice in Parliament fighting fiercely against apartheid on behalf of black South Africans who were denied direct representation for decade since its inception.
"That she was able to stand against male dominated South African politics single-handedly as a woman befits the respect she has earned," said Ms Mahlangu-Nkabinde, following the death of the struggle icon at the age of 91.
Even though Ms Suzman was no longer involved in the affairs of Parliament at the time of her death, she nonetheless leaves a rich tradition of proactive opposition politics behind, said Ms Mahlangu-Nkabinde.
Due to the death of Ms Suzman, Parliament's flags will fly at half-mast in honour of her as decreed by President Kgalema Motlanthe.
Ms Mahlangu-Nkabinde added that a condolence book will also be opened in parliament for parliamentary members and the general public to sign and write messages in for the family of Ms Suzman.
A testament to the life and work of Helen Suzman is evident in her twice having been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, winning the United Nations Award for Human Rights in 1978, receiving the gold Order of Merit in 1997 from former President Nelson Mandela, and receiving an honorary doctorate from various national and international universities.
