Contents
Helen Joseph
Helping lead the 1956 women's march against South Africa's pass laws.
If This Be Treason · Tomorrow's Sun
- Born
- 8 April 1905
- Birthplace
- Easebourne, United Kingdom
- Died
- 25 December 1992
More people
Helen Joseph
Helen Joseph was an anti-apartheid activist, trade unionist and writer. Her organising brought prolonged banning orders, a treason trial and years of house arrest.
Early life
English education
Grew up in England and earned an English degree from the University of London in 1927.
Teaching abroad
Taught girls in Hyderabad before settling in South Africa around 1930.
Career
- 1950s
Union and congress organising
Worked with the Garment Workers Union and helped establish the Congress of Democrats.
- 1956
Women's march
Helped organise the mass protest at Pretoria's Union Buildings.
- 1961
Acquittal
Was acquitted after the long Treason Trial.
- 1962
House arrest
Became the first person placed under house arrest under the new Sabotage Act.
Selected writing
If This Be Treason
Recounted the Treason Trial.
Tomorrow's Sun
Published a journal of life under apartheid.
Side by Side
Set out her life and activism in an autobiography.
Beyond work
Wartime service
Worked as a Women's Auxiliary Air Force information and welfare officer before training in social work.
Care for families
Helped care for children whose parents were imprisoned or exiled, including members of the Mandela and Fischer families.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗South African History Online biography ↗Photo: Anonymous Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
