Margaret Nash was born in England on 1 March 1929.  In 1931, she and her family moved to South Africa and settled in Durban, where Nash later matriculated.  She then studied teaching at Rhodes University. Often described as tenacious, unrelenting and fearless, these character traits would later serve her well when she went against powerful political figures during the height of apartheid in South Africa.

Horrified by the apartheid government’s policies and its disregard for human dignity, Nash used every resource she could to fight the government. In her years as an activist, she had been a member of the Liberal Party, the Black Sash and the Christian Institute.

The government’s forced removals policy disturbed Nash more than any other element of apartheid.  She wrote an extensive report on the practice, and on some occasions attempted to physically stop the forced removals  – without success. One of her reports, though, managed to garner international outrage and put pressure on the apartheid government, after a church delegation presented it at the United Nations just ahead of then President PW Both a’s tour of Europe.

After South Africa achieved democracy in 1994, Nash redirected her energies to campaign for a gun-free South Africa. The campaign was launched during the country’s transitional stage, when violence was escalating. It was a fitting time for a campaign that strived for peace.

With a Doctorate in Theology, Nash was connected to many church activities, particularly those within the Anglican Church. She was a driving force in ensuring that the Church prioritised social responsibility, and was quick to point out whenever she thought the church could do more in this regard.

Nash died on 7 August 2011 at the age of 84.

References

• Barron C. (2011). Obituary: Margaret Nash: Human rights activist from Times Live. Available at  www.timeslive.co.za online. Accessed on 12 August 2011.
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