Honoured for being human
ILLOVO- Prominent human rights lawyer George Bizos was presented with a Luminary award by the Free Market Foundation.
Bizos rose from being a wartime refugee from Greece to being South Africa’s leading anti-apartheid lawyer. He was a close confidant and counsel, often pro bono, for many struggle heroes, including Nelson Mandela. After apartheid, he continued his tenacious fight for freedom, justice and the rule of law, even if it entailed conflict with former allies. He is the author of the book No One To Blame and an autobiography Odyssey to Freedom. He also maintained a close relationship for many years with Mandela.
The award was given to Bizos for his fearless defence of South Africa’s struggle heroes, his tenacious fight for freedom and justice, and his dedication to upholding the constitution and the rule of law.
Chairperson of the Free Market Foundation Herman Mashaba presented the award to Bizos at the Webber Wentzel Auditorium in Illovo. Mashaba said, “These awards honour outstanding people in the world who have become relevant by making an impact.”
After the presentation Prof Mervin King and Bizos sat down for an impromptu chat. King opened up the discussion and asked Bizos what liberty meant to him.
“Freedom is something grade ones learn about in Greece,” said Bizos. “If you start early, you get to like it.”
He said he fought for freedom instead of watching it being taken away from his friends. He studied law with Mandela and supported his good friend’s apartheid protests at Witwatersrand University.
“I was radicalised at university, freedom became part and parcel of my life,” said Bizos.
“We do not have a perfect society. In many ways, the journey has only just begun. But we have the capability of making a difference. We should not remain silent, nor complain, but participate in our individual capacities to make society better.”
