Tribute to Comrade Ruth First

Tuesday, 5 May 2026: The South African Communist Party (SACP) pays tribute to South African communist revolutionary and liberation struggle stalwart, Comrade Ruth Heloise First, whose birth anniversary we celebrate every 4 May.

Born on 4 May 1925, Ruth First became an activist at an early age, and as a university student helped form the Federation of Progressive Students, linking students' issues with national political issues. While at university, in 1942 she joined the SACP and in 1946 led its Young Communist League as secretary.

An outstanding revolutionary who was passionate about justice and equality, Ruth First tirelessly served our liberation movement in various categories until her life was violently taken away when she was assassinated on 17 August 1982. She fully supported the joint SACP-ANC military wing, Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK), following which the apartheid regime detained her for 117 days in solitary confinement in 1963. This was followed by her exile in 1964. As a revolutionary scholar, investigative journalist, researcher, political activist, orator and organiser, she helped mobilise progressive forces beyond the shores of South Africa and galvanised international solidarity for the people's struggle against apartheid.

Through her revolutionary work, she remains an inspiration to many people around the world fighting against oppression. In 2013, she was posthumously honoured with the Order of Luthuli in Gold.

In tribute to Comrade Ruth First, the SACP encourages the youth to take up the baton and fight for total social emancipation. The Young Communist League is charged with the duty to lead, unite and guide the youth to learn about Ruth First and their own struggle, as well as take responsibility for the national democratic revolution.

ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Media, Communications & Information Department | MCID

Mbulelo Mandlana, Head of Media, Communications and Information
+27(0) 81 556 1903

FOR INTERVIEW ARRANGEMENTS, MEDIA LIAISON & CIRCULATION SERVICES
Pius Vilakati
Communications & Acting Media Liaison Officer
Mobile: +27 81353 3383

OFFICE & OTHER CONTACT DETAILS
Office: +2711 339 3621/2
Website: www.sacp.org.za
Facebook Page: South African Communist Party
Twitter: SACP1921

WELCOME TO THE SACP DONATION PAGE: https://donate.sacp.org.za/. PLEASE MAKE A CLEAN DONATION.