December 11, 2020 marks the centenary of the death of well-known South African writer and women’s rights advocate, Olive Schreiner. She passed away on December 11, 1920 at the relatively young age of 65. Schreiner may be described as a “rebel with many causes” who felt herself severely restricted by the conventions of the Victorian age.

The world mourns the passing of well-known human rights lawyer George Bizos on 9 September 2020 in Johannesburg. George Bizos was a well respected Greek-South African human rights lawyer who campaigned against apartheid in South Africa and played an important role in the liberation struggle.

Isabella Winkie Direko was born on the 27 November 1929 in Bochabela Township, in Bloemfontein. She attended school at the Anglican St. Alban’s Church School, and after completing her sub-standard B, she proceeded to another Anglican Church School known as St. Patrick’s Higher Primary School.

Martha Moipone Motlhakwana was one of Free State’s fearless women who challenged and took a stand against the apartheid government. Born on the 23^rd December 1906 in Leqwala in Thaba Nchu, she was a daughter to the Makabane family. She worked as a domestic worker for 22 years and she used to sell fish to provide for her family.

Ella Cecil Fischer (née Fichardt) was the mother of the well-known struggle activist, Bram Fischer. Ella was an intelligent and well-read woman with good leadership qualities who rendered selfless service in her community. She served on the management committees of several associations and did relief work, while through her involvement with the President Steyn Memorial Fund, she also played an important role in youth education.