They Fought for Freedom: Ruth First : Grade 10 - 12

They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. In 1982, Ruth First was killed in Mozambique when she opened a parcel bomb sent to her by a South African hit squad. This was the tragic end to a life spent fighting racism. Ruth was a powerful public speaker and one of the best journalists South Africa has ever had: always probing, questioning and exposing the brutality of apartheid for the world to see. In this book, we get to know the suprisingly shy Ruth – as a student and a teacher, a writer and an underground fighter, a socialist and an activist, a feminist and a mother.

Ruth helped change the course of South African history and inspired many to join the struggle against apartheid. They Fought for Freedom tells the life stories of southern African leaders who struggled for freedom and justice. In spite of the important roles they played in the history of southern Africa, most of these leaders have been largely ignored by the history books. The series tells their stories in an entertaining manner, in clear language and aims to restore them to their rightful place in history.