Media Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) mourns the passing of veteran anti-apartheid activist, journalist, and educator, Terry Bell, who has died at the age of 84. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and comrades across South Africa and the international progressive movement. His passing marks the loss of a principled voice whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of justice, equality, and human dignity.

Terry Bell belonged to a generation of activists who understood that the struggle against apartheid required courage, sacrifice, and international solidarity. From his early years as a journalist helping to establish the non-racial South African Journalists’ Union, to his underground work on the publication Combat, and his detention under apartheid laws, Bell consistently placed himself on the frontlines of resistance. His years in exile, including his work in Zambia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, as well as his contribution to the development of education at SOMAFCO in Tanzania, reflect a life committed not only to opposing injustice but to building the foundations of a democratic future.

Throughout his life, Terry Bell remained an independent and critical thinker, guided by a deep commitment to workers, the marginalised, and the oppressed. Even where his political path diverged, his contribution to the broader liberation struggle and to public discourse in a democratic South Africa remained significant. His work as a journalist and commentator continued to challenge inequality, amplify the voices of working people, and promote progressive internationalism.

The ANC recognises and honours Terry Bell’s role in the global anti-apartheid movement and his lifelong dedication to justice. His legacy reminds us that the struggle for a more equal and humane society did not end in 1994, but continues in new forms. May his life inspire future generations to remain steadfast in the pursuit of freedom, solidarity, and social justice.

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