Bizos a monumental figure in SA history
Tributes pour in for veteran human rights defender who ‘stood for freedom’
VETERAN human rights defender George Bizos will be remembered as a patriot who marched with South Africans to freedom and laid the foundations for a democratic country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described Bizos, who died at the age of 92 on Wednesday evening, as a monumental figure in South Africa’s history.
Bizos died at home of natural causes. He is survived by his three sons and seven grandchildren.
Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to Bizos’s family, the legal fraternity and the nation at large.
“This is sad news for all of us as South Africans. George Bizos contributed immensely to the attainment of our democracy.
“He worked very closely with Nelson Mandela, Arthur Chaskalson and many others. He had an incisive legal mind and was one of the architects of our Constitution.
“We will forever remember his contribution,” Ramaphosa said.
Bizos devoted his career to the defence of human rights and served as counsel to leaders of the liberation movement as much as he assisted ordinary South Africans in realising socio-economic rights, he said.
The Law Society of SA (LSSA) said Bizos was a humble valiant fighter, a moral compass and guiding light in the country.
“His wisdom and presence will be missed,” said LSSA president, Mvuzo Notyesi.
“Advocate Bizos’s activism and general contribution to the legal fraternity in South Africa is immeasurable. He was more than just a lawyer; he was a champion for human rights. His life
was well-lived. It was a life dedicated towards serving humanity. He did not live for himself, but lived for others, especially the oppressed. His fight for democracy and human rights will not
be forgotten,” Notyesi said.
“His motivation was human rights. “He was a brilliant legal mind and a brilliant human being.
“He is an exemplar of integrity.”
Poet, author and Patron of the Don Mattera Legacy Foundation, Don Mattera, personally extended his condolences to the Bizos family and friends.
Mattera’s son Teddy (Mattera) said: “It is sad news indeed for South Africa to have lost a dedicated human right defender and one of the architects of the Constitution.
“As South Africa we should not forget the immense contribution of the veteran human rights lawyer, George Bizos.”
Film producer Anant Singh recalled meeting Bizos in the early 1990s and said over the years they developed a strong friendship.
“George was always available during the making of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom whenever we needed advice and to confirm facts. George was also supportive of other films I made.
“As we mourn George’s passing, we acknowledge his role in shaping the democracy we all enjoy today. He is, without doubt, a hero of the Struggle. South Africa has lost another exceptional son,” Singh said.
The SA Human Rights Commission said it mourned the fall of a human rights giant.
“He stood for everything that we wish for – freedom; equality; justice; honesty; integrity; professionalism; trust; love and support for fellow South Africans irrespective of colour or creed. The people of this country are free and democracy reigns, thanks largely to the Struggle and the sacrifices that he and others waged to secure our freedom and democracy.”