Born: 1894 (Glasgow, Scotland)
Died: 1980
Biography:
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 Margaret Hodgson in Glasgow, Scotland in 1894, she relocated to Cape Colony with her family during her childhood. Her father arrived just before the Boer War and ended up fighting against the British.
After completing her education at the Huguenot College in Wellington, Margaret continued her studies in England at Somerville College, Oxford. Returning to South Africa, she taught history at Rhodes University in Grahamstown and the University of the Witwatersrand.
In a remarkable display of courage and determination, Margaret stood for election as one of seven representatives for the eight million black South Africans, despite the fact that there were already 140 Members of Parliament representing the remaining 20% of the population. Despite facing male opposition, Margaret was able to win the confidence and support of the electorate through the use of an interpreter. She drew inspiration from Joan of Arc and emphasized the potential of women to bring about positive change.
From 1937 onwards, Margaret represented the people of the Eastern Cape on the Native Representatives Council (NRC). Alongside Senator Edgar Brookes, she advocated for improvements in the lives of native South Africans, shifting the conversation away from control and towards finding ways to enhance their circumstances. Her proposals for new laws in 1943 and plans for training, municipal representation, and improved consultation with the NRC in 1947 further demonstrated her commitment to uplifting the black community.
Considered her most influential period, between 1937 and the 1950s, Margaret’s power rivalled that of prime ministers Jan Smuts and Jan Hofmeyr. Time magazine even referred to her as the Queen of the Blacks in a 1944 report. In the article, it was speculated that Margaret could potentially become the leader of a 24-million-strong black population, thus contributing to an expanded British influence in southern Africa.
While Margaret’s influence grew, her husband William found himself being overshadowed by her dynamic presence. Although they had jointly established the Friends of Africa movement, Margaret’s focus on securing funding from Britain rather than fostering relationships with emerging African native political organizations alienated some supporters.
In 1953, Margaret assumed the position of the first President of the Liberal Party of South Africa, a party founded around the eminent figure of Alan Paton, who served as one of its vice presidents. She was one of the few individuals who openly opposed the apartheid views of Hendrik Frensch Verwoerd.
Margaret’s parliamentary career came to an end in 1960 when the South African government abolished the parliamentary seats representing Africans. Despite this setback, her unwavering dedication to the welfare of the black population remained steadfast throughout her life.
Margaret Ballinger’s contributions to South African politics, her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, and her pioneering role as a female politician have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history.