Black Sash patron and veteran human rights activist Sheena Duncan died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Johannesburg on Tuesday, the 4th of May 2010. She was 77 and leaves behind two daughters and two grandchildren.
Sheena was well-loved and admired for her enduring commitment to work for justice; her unshaken faith in peaceful ways of doing so; and her warm and courageous heart for supporting those who suffer. We are all united in our grief and our memories of her incredible spirit and great humour. She will not be forgotten.
The Black Sash held three memorial services for Sheena:
Read the tribute given by Mary Burton and by Black Sash Advocacy Programme Manager Elroy Paulus at Sheena's memorial service at the Black Sash National Office in Cape Town on Wednesday, 19th May 2010
The Black Sash continues to receive many wonderful tributes to Sheena from all over the world:
Read the tribute to Sheena in the New York Times and in the Boston Globe and in Skyways magazine
Read the tributes to Sheena in the UK Guardian and the Scotsman
Sheena's daughters Lindsay and Carey wish to thank everyone who has left tributes on our website: "We have been very touched by all the tributes that we have received and thank all those who sent condolences to the family. Like so many, we will miss her no end, but know that she has run a great race and deserves eternal rest."
Please send your tributes to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sheena's family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, friends and well-wishers could contribute to one of her favourite causes: The This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Gun Free South Africa, and Hospice Witwatersrand.
“To speak with a firm and clear voice on major national questions, unprotected by the shield of immunity enjoyed by members of the country’s organs of government, and unruffled by the countless repercussions of being ostracised by a privileged minority, is a measure of your deep concern for human rights and commitment to the principle of justice for all.”
- Nelson Mandela in a letter to Sheena Duncan on the Black Sash's 30th birthday in 1985 [view full letter]
'OBITUARY: Black Sashs Sheena Duncan' - Witness, 05 May 2010
