Helen Joseph is one of the most well-known South African women to campaign against apartheid. Her autobiography is being published on her 81st birthday and is a worthy successor to her two earlier books, If This be Treason (1963) and Tomorrow's sun (1966). One of the accused in the infamous Treason Trial of the 1950s, and the first person to be placed under house arrest, she continues despite bannings, gaol, and police harassment to campaign tirelessly for freedom and justice for all people in South Africa
This is her story. A deeply moving account of her 30 years involvement in the struggle of the South African people: what she saw and learned, and the joy and pain of being part of it. But it is the story, too, of all those South African men and women who fought side by side against the harsh laws, brutal repression and injustices of apartheid: the rank and files, the famous and the almost forgotten who have given their lives to build a free and democratic South Africa.
As the people of the Black townships continue to confront the South African Police and armed forces, this book is a contribution to their courageous history by a woman who is herself a part of that history.
“a history of struggle told from it's heart” Tribune
“A testimony to all who have fought, and continue to fight, for basic human rights for all in South Africa. Energy, optimism and pride prevail, despite tremendous personal adds” Everywoman
"Fascinating reading for anyone interested in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa as well as an inspiration to all those who face repression the world over" David Steel
Part 1
Chapter 1 - Twenty thousand strong we marched
Chapter II - Partners in protest
Chapter III - My very ordinary life
Chapter IV - Becoming an activist
Chapter V - South Africa belongs to all who live in it
Chapter VIII - Treason - South African style 1
Chapter IX - Treason - South African style 2
Chapter X - Trial by detention
Chapter XI - Witness for freedom
Chapter XIII - Journey to the banished
Part 2
Chapter I - Learning to live a half life
Chapter III - The world outside
Chapter IV - A meaningful life
Chapter V - Acts of conscience
Chapter VI - A strange kind of gaol bird
Chapter VIII - The Mandela’s – family extraordinary