South Africa bids farewell to beloved human rights activist George Bizos

South Africans paid tribute to human rights activist and advocate George Bizos, who was laid to rest on 17 September at the Greek Orthodox Church in Hillbrow.

Thousands of tributes poured in for Bizos, who passed away at 92 on 9 September. Bizos has been praised for his life’s work, which includes defending numerous anti-apartheid activists. He also played a role in developing the South African constitution and helped draw up the Truth and Reconciliation Bill and the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act, guaranteeing fundamental human rights to all citizens of South Africa.

https://twitter.com/Roland_Williams/status/1306533848830930945

President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured Bizos with a Special Official Funeral Category 1. Ramaphosa said, “There are very few in our society of whom it can be said that they inspired an entire generation to follow in their footsteps. It is not many who are of such distinguished reputation that they are known simply by their first name, not just in their own social circle but in the entire country.

“George Bizos was a man guided foremost by his conscience, by his principals, by his ethics.”

In his tribute to Bizos, former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke said, “He was a remarkable human being, you cared so much for others and I am deeply proud that I lived so close to your life. Our profession will sorely miss you.”

#GeorgeBizos you inspired me to register for LLB degree while i was your security guard and today i am doing my last 4 modules of my degree#my greatest inspiration🙏🙏🙏💘 pic.twitter.com/Db0l8T0Qm7

— fana mabuza (@MeshackMabuza) September 9, 2020

You can watch the funeral service here: