Ruth First: An Unyielding Voice
Ruth First, 13 August 1982.mp3
Childhood & Roots
Ruth Helen First was born on 4 May 1925 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to Jewish immigrant parents, Julius and Matilda First. Growing up in a politically conscious family, Ruth’s sense of justice was ignited early. She studied at Johannesburg Girls’ High School and later earned a degree from University of Witwatersrand.
Early Activism & Journalism (1940s-1950s)
Ruth joined the Communist Party of South Africa (1946) and co-founded _The Guardian_, a radical newspaper exposing apartheid. Her writing fearlessly tackled racism and worker rights, making her a target. “Truth was my weapon,” she said.
Love & Struggle
In 1954, Ruth married Joe Slovo, a fellow activist. They had three daughters—Shirley, Robyn, Tania. Balancing motherhood and revolution, Ruth wrote under pseudonyms when banned (1956).
The Treason Trial (1956-1961)
Arrested with 156 leaders (Mandela, Sisulu), Ruth faced treason charges. Acquitted 1961, but surveillance tightened. “We were fighting for _all_ South Africans,” she testified.
Exile & Academia (1964-1982)
Forced into exile (1964), Ruth fled to UK, then Mozambique. She taught at Eduardo Mondlane University, researching labour and colonialism. Her book, _The Barrel of a Gun_ (1970), remains a classic.
Final Act
On 17 August 1982, a letter bomb sent by apartheid agents killed Ruth in Maputo. Joe Slovo wrote: “She lived for justice.”
Legacy
Today, Ruth symbolizes courage. The ANC/SACP honour her as a martyr of resistance. “The struggle is my life,” she said.
The images displayed in this exhibition are not owned by Freedom Park, nor do we hold the copyrights. We acknowledge History-online for providing the storyline. This exhibition will be temporarily available on our website for the next three months launching on 28 February 2026.
