STATEMENT: R2K is saddened by the passing of Nadine Gordimer

The Right2Know Campaign mourns the loss of South African writer, activist and Nobel Prize laureate Nadine Gordimer. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends.

She was a powerful voice against oppression, apartheid and ongoing attempts to stifle democracy and free speech. Her courageous character has inspired a generation of activists and helped others to find hope.

Nadine Gordimer was part of a generation of elders who spoke out against the Secrecy Bill – and continued to do so to her final days. She lived a life that championed freedom of expression as a pillar of democracy, and always made space for younger intellectuals and artists to follow her example.

The rights of access to information and freedom of expression for journalists, whistleblowers and activists were seen as central to artistic freedoms by Nadine Gordimer. We are humbled to call Nadine Gordimer a friend and comrade in the fight against secrecy and for freedom of expression. We see our continued struggle against the Bill as but one way to honour her life and struggle. As she memorably said:

“Freedom of expression: That’s the title to our rights [which] this bill strikes out as a danger to the state, in that we have the right to know and think: the right of the human condition.”

—–ENDS—–

For further comment contact:

R2K Gauteng spokesperson: Jayshree Pather (Cell: 082 413 5621)

R2K Western Cape: Ghalib Galant (Cell: 084 959 1912)

R2K KZN: Nomvula Sikakane (Cell: 073 537 1777)

R2K National spokesperson: Murray Hunter (Cell: 072 672 5468)