Born: 1930 (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)
Died: 1985 (Near Oudshoorn and Port Elizabeth, South Africa)
Biography:
Molly Bellhouse Blackburn (12 November 1930 28 December 1985) was a South African anti-apartheid activist, political activist, civil rights campaigner, and politician. She was widely respected by both blacks and whites for her tireless efforts in fighting against the oppressive apartheid regime. Born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, she was the daughter of Elgar Bellhouse (Buller) Pagden, a one-time chairperson of the Progressive Party (PP) of Port Elizabeth, who instilled liberal and progressive ideals in his daughter.
Blackburn had a strong academic background, graduating from Rhodes University with a Bachelor of Arts degree after finishing school in 1947 with a first-class matriculation. Following her studies, she traveled to London and taught for a period of time before eventually settling in Belgium. However, seven years later, she returned to Port Elizabeth and joined the Black Sash, an activist group founded in 1955 by six women, namely Jean Sinclair, Elizabeth McLaren, Ruth Foley, Tertia Pybus, Jean Bosazza, and Helen Newton-Thompson. Despite her initial involvement, Blackburn eventually left the Black Sash due to what she perceived as the group’s inactivity.
In 1981, Blackburn embarked on her political career by winning the Provincial Council seat of Walmer, Port Elizabeth, under the banner of the Progressive Federal Party (PFP). During the same year, her fellow activist Di Bishop also secured a council seat. Bishop, who would become a lifelong friend and ally of Blackburn, had joined the Black Sash in 1978. Inspired by Bishop’s dedication and with her own set of ideas, Blackburn returned to the organization in 1982.
Together, Blackburn and Bishop delved into investigating rent restructuring and controversial police shootings. As they challenged the authorities, they began to be seen as troublemakers by those in power. Blackburn faced numerous death threats and was arrested multiple times for her unwavering activism.
Tragically, on 28 December 1985, Molly Blackburn and Brian Bishop, Di Bishop’s husband, were killed in a car accident between Oudshoorn and Port Elizabeth. Di Bishop and Blackburn’s sister, Judy Chalmers, were injured in the accident. Blackburn was 55 years old, and Brian Bishop was 51 years old. At Blackburn’s funeral, which took place at St John’s Church in Port Elizabeth on 1 January 1986, a crowd of approximately 20,000, mostly black South Africans, gathered to mourn her loss.
Despite her untimely passing, Molly Blackburn’s legacy lives on. The Molly Blackburn High School in Kwanobuhle and the Molly Blackburn Memorial Hall at the University of Cape Town are named in her honor. Her unwavering commitment and sacrifice continue to inspire future generations in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in South Africa.