Renowned Journalist Ruth Weiss Dies at 101, Leaving a Legacy of Human Rights Activism
Prominent journalist and author Ruth Weiss passed away on September 5 at the age of 101. Born in Germany, she emigrated to South Africa in 1936 and dedicated her life to fighting for human rights and equality.
Ruth Weiss was honoured for her tireless work with several prestigious awards. She received the Federal Cross of Merit in 2014, the South African national order 'Companion of O. R. Tambo' in 2023, and the Great Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2024.
Born in Fürth in 1924, Weiss spent much of her childhood in Aschaffenburg. Despite her exile, she remained connected to Germany, regularly returning to visit. In 1999, she visited the Girls' Realschule Aschaffenburg for the first time, becoming a role model for students.
Weiss was a prominent journalist and author in South Africa. She fought against the apartheid regime, meeting figures like Nelson Mandela. Since 1960, she wrote tirelessly against racism, for the rights of minorities, and for women's rights. Her legacy is honoured through the Ruth-Weiss-Realschule, renamed in her honour in 2010, and the Ruth-Weiss-Gesellschaft, founded in 2019 by her circle of friends to preserve her values.
Ruth Weiss' impact on society will continue to be felt through the institutions and awards that bear her name. Her dedication to human rights and equality serves as an inspiration for future generations.
