FREEDOM PARK PARTNERS WITH EDUARDO MONDLANE UNIVERSITY IN HONOURING RUTH FIRST WITH LAUNCH OF DEDICATED ROOM IN MOZAMBIQUE
Freedom Park, in collaboration with the Centre for African Studies (CEA) at Eduardo Mondlane
University in Maputo, Mozambique, proudly marks a significant moment in preserving the legacy of
one of Africa’s most formidable intellectuals and freedom fighters, Ruth First.
On Friday, 08 May 2026, the CEA will officially launch the Ruth First Room, a permanent exhibition
space established in the very office where Ruth First lived, worked, and ultimately paid the ultimate
price for her commitment to justice and liberation.
Ruth First was not only a South African anti-apartheid activist, journalist, and academic, but also a
global revolutionary thinker whose work shaped political consciousness across the African continent.
Her contribution to research, education, and the liberation struggle remains a cornerstone of our
democratic heritage. Her assassination in Maputo in 1982 by the apartheid regime stands as a stark
reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of freedom.
The Ruth First Room is more than a memorial. It is a dynamic centre of interpretation and learning,
designed to preserve her intellectual legacy while fostering ongoing dialogue between past and
present generations. Through archival material, multimedia exhibitions, and research outputs, the
space seeks to inspire scholars, activists, and the broader public to engage critically with Africa’s
liberation history and contemporary challenges.
The launch programme will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tour, high-level remarks from
representatives of the governments of South Africa and Mozambique, as well as a cultural tribute
celebrating Ruth First’s enduring legacy.
Freedom Park’s participation in this milestone event reaffirms its mandate to honour those who
contributed to humanity, freedom, and nation-building, while strengthening continental partnerships
that advance memory, dialogue, and social cohesion.
Members of the media are hereby invited to attend and cover the launch as follows:
Event: Launch of the Ruth First Room
Date: Friday, 08 May 2026
Time: 08h30 – 10h30
Venue: Centre for African Studies, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
Media are requested to confirm attendance in advance.
For media enquiries and confirmations, please contact:
Zimasa Velaphi
DSAC Chief Director: Communication Management
zimasav@dsac.gov.za
+2712 441 3000 | M: 072 172 8925
Tebogo Ramutloa
Communications Officer: Freedom Park
Email: tebogo@freedompark.co.za
Tel: 012 336 4144 / 082 793 3130
Issued by Freedom Park
