Molly Blackburn: Witness for Justice – by John G. I. Clarke
An Untold Story
An Untold Story of Law, Journalism, Courage and the End of Apartheid
Molly Blackburn was one of the most courageous and respected human rights defenders of apartheid-era South Africa. As a politician, community activist and fearless investigator of state violence, she crossed the racial and political divides of her time to stand alongside those whose voices were being silenced.
Drawing on extensive archival research, contemporary journalism, photographs and personal testimony, Molly Blackburn: Witness to Justice reconstructs her extraordinary life against the turbulent backdrop of the 1980s. From the townships of the Eastern Cape to Parliament, from the Langa massacre to the funeral of the Cradock Four, Molly insisted that truth must be told and those responsible for injustice held accountable.
Her tragic death in December 1985 cut short a life of exceptional promise. Yet her example of courage, compassion and principled resistance remains profoundly relevant. More than a biography, this is a story about the power of ordinary people to confront injustice, bridge divisions and uphold our common humanity.
"Astoundingly good!"
Hamilton Wende, journalist and author
“An invaluable contribution to the history of liberal resistance to Apartheid. Intricately researched and written with deep passion for its subject, it reminds us of a courageous life well lived until her tragic death in a car crash in 1985. This extremely well-written and fascinatingly illustrated book means she will never be forgotten.”
“This book gives this reader four recurring riveting features: (1) unknown facets of known truths, (2) virgin news that should be old news, (3) surprise sidelines of history, (4) a life lived as an inspiration to those of us who aspire to inhabit an honourable world.” – Denis Beckett
“Molly Blackburn was a valiant and inspirational campaigner for human rights throughout the dark days of apartheid. John Clarke has honoured her remarkable legacy with this scholarly, insightful and authoritative biography.” – Xan Smiley, senior editor, The Economist
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