Helen Suzman quotes

Helen Suzman was a South African politician and anti-apartheid activist, renowned for her courageous stand against racial segregation. As a member of parliament, she was often the lone voice opposing apartheid policies. She advocated tirelessly for human rights, justice, and equality throughout her career. Here are 28 of her quotes:

It is the answers, not the questions, that are embarrassing.

Helen Suzman

The employment laws are completely unrealistic. You cannot overcome that in only 10 years. It will take at least another generation before young people are properly qualified.

Helen Suzman

I do not know why we equate-and with such examples before us-a white skin with civilisation.

Helen Suzman

It is not my questions that embarrass South Africa; it is your answers.

Helen Suzman

I can say unequivocally that the boycott does not work. It's never complete enough to have impact unless it's backed by force, and I don't think anybody in America seriously proposes that.

Helen Suzman

Mugabe has destroyed that country while South Africa has stood by and done nothing. The way Mugabe was feted at the inauguration last month was an embarrassing disgrace. But it served well to illustrate very clearly Mbeki's point of view.

Helen Suzman

Don't think for a moment that Mbeki is not anti-white - he is, most definitely. His speeches all have anti-white themes and he continues to convince everyone that there are two types of South African - the poor black and the rich white.

Helen Suzman

For all my criticisms of the current system, it doesn't mean that I would like to return to the old one. I don't think we will ever go the way of Zimbabwe, but people are entitled to be concerned. I am hopeful about any future for whites in this country - but not entirely optimistic.

Helen Suzman

I had hoped for something much better... [T]he poor in this country have not benefited at all from the ANC. This government spends "like a drunken sailor". Instead of investing in projects to give people jobs, they spend millions buying weapons and private jets, and sending gifts to Haiti.

Helen Suzman

I used to be a fan of proportional representation, but I am not at all now I have seen it in action.

Helen Suzman

My own electorate, which I represented for 36 years as an anti-apartheid politician, had a considerable number of Jewish voters supporting me throughout my career.

Helen Suzman

All these stories are grist to the mill of the government because they build up a very useful war psychosis.

Helen Suzman

This country is armed to the teeth, and none of these African states could begin to attack South Africa.

Helen Suzman

You say your people brought the Bible over the mountains and ask what mine did. They wrote it, my dear.

Helen Suzman

Are you going to put me under house arrest or put me on Robben Island?

Helen Suzman

Every Nationalist MP should go to at least one funeral for unrest victims heavily disguised as human beings, instead of sitting on their green benches in parliament, insulated like fish in an aquarium.

Helen Suzman

[T]he prime minister has been trying to bully me for twenty-eight years and he has not succeeded yet. I am not frightened of you. I never have been and I never will be. I think nothing of you.

Helen Suzman

Go and see for yourself.

Helen Suzman

I don't think we will ever go the way of Zimbabwe, but people are concerned.

Helen Suzman

It is increasingly hard for young white people to find jobs, and I can understand why white parents are worried about the future.

Helen Suzman

For all my criticisms of the current system, it doesn't mean that I would like to return to the old one.

Helen Suzman

I am hopeful about any future for whites in this country, but not entirely optimistic.

Helen Suzman