We join the rest of South Africa in celebrating the illustrious life of Helen Suzman, the grande dame of South African politics, who was laid to rest yesterday.

We join the rest of South Africa in celebrating the illustrious life of Helen Suzman, the grande dame of South African politics, who was laid to rest yesterday.

For many South Africans being called a liberal has been akin to a swearword. Yet by the values she lived and not only shouted from the relative comfort of parliament, Suzman gave democratic liberalism an admirable face and a soul.

Even those who might not have agreed with her political views would agree that she was a remarkable woman for whom ideology was not just dogma but a guide to how she could contribute to the true humanity of all.

Suzman had herself a real fine innings. Lala ngoxolo, qhawekazi.