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Mokgadi Caster Semenya OIB is a South African middle-distance runner who has achieved great success in women’s athletics, winning two Olympic gold medals and three World Championships in the 800 meters event. Despite facing challenges and scrutiny, Semenya has become a symbol of resilience and courage, sparking conversations about inclusivity and the rights of athletes. Her impact on women’s athletics and society is significant.
Sally Gross (born Selwyn Gross; 22 August 1953 – 14 February 2014) was an anti-apartheid and intersex activist who founded Intersex South Africa. She played a crucial role in supporting intersex activists and securing the first mention of intersex in national law in South Africa. Despite facing challenges with her own gender classification, Gross advocated for intersex rights and left a lasting impact on the understanding and acceptance of gender diversity.
Cassie Kozyrkov is a South African data scientist and statistician who has made significant contributions to the field of decision intelligence. She currently serves as the Chief Decision Scientist at Google, where she founded the field of Decision Intelligence. Kozyrkov’s work has had a profound impact on the world of data science and her achievements have established her as a renowned figure in the field.
Molly Bellhouse Blackburn was a South African anti-apartheid activist known for her tireless efforts in fighting against the apartheid regime. Despite facing death threats and arrests, she remained dedicated to her cause. Tragically, she died in a car accident in 1985, leaving behind a lasting legacy of commitment to justice and equality in South Africa.
Naadiya Moosajee is a highly accomplished South African engineer, social entrepreneur, and co-founder of Women in Engineering (WomEng), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing engineering talent among girls in multiple African countries. Born in South Africa in 1984, Moosajee has made significant contributions to the field of engineering and has been widely recognized for her inspiring work.
Siza Mzimela, a trailblazing South African businesswoman, broke barriers in the aviation industry. As the first black woman to establish an airline, she defied gender and racial stereotypes. Mzimela’s leadership and business acumen led to notable growth and international recognition for South African Airways. Despite facing challenges with her own airline, Fly Blue Crane, Mzimela’s entrepreneurial spirit remained unwavering. She continues to make significant contributions to the aviation industry and holds influential positions in various organizations.
Shamima Shaikh (1960-1998) was a prominent Muslim women’s rights activist, Islamic feminist, and journalist from South Africa. She dedicated her life to fighting for social justice and challenging patriarchal barriers within the Muslim community. Despite her untimely death, her legacy continues to inspire activists and feminists today.
Phyllis Spira (1943-2008) was a South African ballet dancer who left an indelible mark on the world of dance. Recognized as the first South African Prima Ballerina Assoluta, she contributed significantly to the development of ballet in her home country. Her remarkable talent, determination, and trailblazing spirit make her an everlasting figure in the history of dance and a true icon in women’s history.
Juliet Anne Prowse was a talented dancer and actress known for her stunning legs. Her career spanned four decades and included performances in stage, television, and film. Despite the tragic loss of her father at a young age, Prowse excelled in dance from a very young age. Her breakthrough role in the film Can-Can brought her international fame, and she caught the attention of Frank Sinatra, leading to a strong connection between them. Prowse’s performances in Can-Can and G.I. Blues solidified her place in Hollywood history. She continued to dazzle audiences throughout her career and left behind a remarkable legacy upon her untimely death in 1996.
Nadia Nerina was a South African dancer known for her technical brilliance and joyful charm on stage. She began her ballet training in Durban before moving to England to further her studies. Nerina quickly rose to prominence in The Royal Ballet, earning critical acclaim for her expressive performances. Her legacy as one of the greatest ballerinas of her time lives on through her impact on the world of ballet.
Margaret Ballinger (née Hodgson; 1894–1980) was the first President of the Liberal Party of South Africa and a South African Member of Parliament. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1894, she relocated to Cape Colony during her childhood. Margaret’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of the black population and her pioneering role as a female politician have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s history.
Anrune Weyers, a para-athlete born in South Africa in 1992, has overcome a congenital defect in her left arm to become a prominent figure in the world of athletics. Her remarkable talent and determination have led her to secure numerous medals, including gold at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. Weyers’ consistent excellence and ability to rise above challenges have cemented her legacy as a true champion.
Zanele Situ, born in 1971 in Kokstad, South Africa, overcame tremendous challenges to become a Paralympian athlete. Despite being paralyzed from the fourth vertebra down and relying on a wheelchair for mobility, Situ excelled in the javelin throw. She secured multiple gold and silver medals at the IPC Athletics World Championships and the Summer Paralympics, making history as the first female South African black athlete to win a Paralympic gold medal. Situ’s determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to many.
Sonia Bunting, a South African journalist, political activist, and anti-apartheid activist, dedicated her life to fighting against racial oppression and injustice. Her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, despite facing immense adversity, inspired countless others to join the struggle for freedom. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of individuals to effect positive change in the face of injustice.
Helen Suzman, born in 1917 in Germiston, South Africa, was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and politician. She fearlessly challenged the discriminatory laws and policies of the apartheid government and served as a voice for the voiceless. Her commitment to human rights and equality earned her international recognition, and her legacy as a pioneering woman in South African politics continues to inspire future generations.
Priscilla Jana was a South African human rights lawyer, politician, and diplomat. Born in 1943 in Westville, Natal, she grew up in a middle-class Indian immigrant family. Her activism during the anti-apartheid movement led her to represent influential figures such as Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Jana’s access to political prisoners in Robben Island prison and her unwavering commitment to justice made her a key player in the fight against apartheid. She later transitioned into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and holding diplomatic roles. Jana’s impact on South African history is undeniable.
Heloise Ruth First (4 May 1925 – 17 August 1982) was a South African anti-apartheid activist and scholar. She was assassinated in Mozambique, where she was working in exile, by a parcel bomb built by South African police. Ruth First’s parents were founding members of the Communist Party of South Africa, and she followed in their footsteps, dedicating her life to the fight against apartheid. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, she remained resilient in her efforts to expose racial segregation policies and advocate for a more just society.
Penelope Heyns, born in 1974, is a former South African swimmer known for her exceptional breaststroke swimming ability. She made history at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games by winning gold medals in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events, becoming South Africa’s first Olympic gold medalist since 1992. Heyns’ remarkable career and inspiring achievements have left a lasting impact on the world of swimming.
Ilse Hayes, also known as Ilse Carstens, is a Paralympian athlete from South Africa who has overcome significant challenges to become one of the most successful athletes in her discipline. Despite being diagnosed with Stargardt disease at a young age, Hayes has showcased remarkable resilience and determination in pursuing her passion for athletics. She has won numerous medals and titles in sprint events and long jump, inspiring countless individuals to follow their dreams.
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, ruled for over 70 years. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and became queen of multiple Commonwealth countries. Throughout her reign, she navigated significant political changes while maintaining the monarchy’s popularity. Her death in 2022 marked the end of an era, and she was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles III.