“A beacon to all who love liberty”: A concert in memory of Ruth First

Join us for a special concert to mark the 40th anniversary of the assassination of South African anti-apartheid campaigner, journalist and Durham University lecturer Ruth First as we celebrate her life and work and remember all who suffered under apartheid and express our hope for the future of southern Africa.

We are honoured to be joined by the legendary and Grammy World Music Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir for a performance in the unique setting of Durham Cathedral as part of their global Freedom Tour, with a collection of uplifting songs celebrating the struggle for freedom in South Africa and honouring Nelson Mandela.   

“Ruth[‘s] life, and her death, remains a beacon to all who love liberty.” - Nelson Mandela

Who was Ruth First? 

Ruth First played an important role in the struggle against apartheid and other abuses of human rights in Africa. She exposed violence and exploitation through fearless investigative journalism and campaigned tirelessly for truth and freedom. She was killed by a letter bomb from the South African police in August 1982. 

Remembering Ruth First 

Ruth worked as a lecturer in Sociology at Durham University between 1973 and 1978. In 1982, the year of Ruth’s death, the University renamed its scholarship for South African students in her memory.  
 
In 2007, the scope of the scholarship was widened to include applicants from across southern Africa who show academic potential and capacity for community leadership. Recent Ruth First Scholars have come from Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana, completing Masters degrees in Conflict Prevention, Internet Systems, Educational Assessment, Social Work, Public Health and Medical Anthropology.  

The University is proud to maintain Ruth’s legacy through this valuable scholarship, with the support of St Chad’s College and Durham County Council. 

Memories of Ruth’s life and work in Durham are also being preserved by a research project based in the University’s Centre for Humanities Engaging Science and Society (CHESS).

Reserve your tickets via the Durham Cathedral website