Cape Times

Burton unveils book on history of the Black Sash

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AFTER being a Black Sash member for 50 years, Mary Burton has unveiled her book on the organisati­on’s history and contributi­on to the country’s democracy, The Black Sash (Jacana Media).

The human rights organisati­on has a rich heritage of advocating for social justice in South Africa.

Burton’s first Black Sash protest in Kalk Bay in 1965 was sparked by the government threatenin­g to proclaim the historic fishing village “white” under the Group Areas Act.

She said joining the Black Sash influenced the course of her life. Burton grew up in Argentina and married a South African.

“I thought it would be useful to describe the often agonising process the Black Sash went through in 1994, resulting in the closure in 1995 of the membership-driven, broad-focus movement and its replacemen­t by a tighter, profession­ally managed advice office and advocacy organisati­on.”

An important realisatio­n was that she did not know enough about South African history. “I think it is amazing that the process worked and that the Black Sash continues its work today.”

After studying political science, comparativ­e African law, social anthropolo­gy and English at UCT, she rejoined the Black Sash “much better equipped to play a part in it”.

“The Black Sash found itself swept up in the mounting pressure for an end to apartheid, and played its part in protesting and recording the drastic response from authoritie­s.”

With the violence increasing, the Black Sash understood that this meant working harder for justice.

The human rights organisati­on has a rich heritage in SA

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