Harry Schwarz, South African lawyer, politician, and diplomat, 13th South Africa Ambassador to United States (b. 1924)

Harry Heinz Schwarz, born on 13 May 1924, was a profoundly influential South African lawyer, statesman, and a stalwart opposition leader against the deeply entrenched system of apartheid. His remarkable life, which concluded on 5 February 2010, spanned critical periods of South African history, culminating in his pivotal role as the South African Ambassador to the United States during the nation's momentous transition to majority rule.

Schwarz's early life was marked by adversity. Born in Hamburg, Germany, his family fled the escalating persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime, arriving in South Africa as refugees. Rising from childhood poverty, he excelled academically and professionally, establishing himself as a respected lawyer. His political career began with his election to the Transvaal Provincial Council, where he served with distinction as the Leader of the Opposition from 1963 to 1974. A testament to his commitment to justice, he served as a key defence lawyer in the landmark 1964 Rivonia Trial, a pivotal moment in South Africa's struggle against apartheid, where prominent anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were prosecuted.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Schwarz distinguished himself by advocating for a more assertive political opposition to the National Party's discriminatory racial policies. As the Leader of the United Party in Transvaal and a leading figure of the liberal "Young Turks" faction, he frequently clashed with the more conservative establishment within his own party, pushing for bolder reforms. He courageously pioneered the call within white politics for a negotiated end to apartheid, a notion considered radical at the time. This commitment materialised significantly in 1974 when he signed the historic Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith with Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, then leader of the Inkatha National Cultural Liberation Movement (later the Inkatha Freedom Party). This groundbreaking agreement marked the first significant public accord between a white opposition political leader and a prominent black liberation movement figure, articulating a shared vision for a non-racial, democratic society in South Africa and laying early groundwork for future dialogue.

Schwarz's dedication to ending apartheid was unwavering, spanning over 40 years in opposition. His legacy includes being a founding member of the Democratic Party, a key political force that championed democratic values and human rights in the lead-up to South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994.

His impressive record of anti-apartheid activism and his commitment to a democratic South Africa made his appointment in 1990 as South African Ambassador to the United States particularly symbolic and impactful. This appointment, made by the de Klerk government coinciding with Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the dawn of formal negotiations, was widely heralded as a powerful international signal of the government's newfound commitment to genuine reform. Schwarz played a significant role in renewing the nation's image on the global stage, effectively presenting the vision of a new, democratic South Africa to the international community and helping to facilitate the lifting of sanctions.

Beyond his parliamentary battles, Schwarz demonstrated his early commitment to civil rights as a South African Air Force World War II veteran. In the 1950s, he co-founded the Torch Commando, a formidable ex-servicemen's movement established to protest against the National Party government's attempts to disenfranchise Coloured people by removing them from the common voters' roll – a critical step in solidifying racial segregation under apartheid. Described as South Africa's "most feisty politician" and a political "maverick," he was renowned for his vigorous parliamentary clashes with the apartheid government, not only over its racial policies but also its damaging economic policies.

His political career, spanning 43 years, was marked by consistent electoral success; he never lost an election, a testament to his popularity and effectiveness across various constituencies. His contributions were formally recognized in 1988 when he received the prestigious Order for Meritorious Service, one of South Africa's highest civilian honours, alongside several Honorary Doctorates. Furthermore, Schwarz was a foremost leader within the South African Jewish community and consistently spoke out strongly against antisemitism, underscoring his broad commitment to combating all forms of prejudice.

The University of Stellenbosch aptly described Harry Schwarz as "one of the conceptual and moral fathers of the new South Africa." This description acknowledges that he was not merely one of apartheid's most prominent opponents, but that his pioneering ideas and the strategic initiatives he undertook played a pivotal role in developing the concept of a negotiated democracy in South Africa, firmly rooted in the principles of freedom and justice. Nelson Mandela, who counted Schwarz as a friend and whom Schwarz visited while Mandela was imprisoned, affectionately described him as a "champion of the poor," a fitting tribute to a man whose life was dedicated to justice for all.

Who was Harry Heinz Schwarz?

Harry Heinz Schwarz was a prominent South African lawyer, statesman, and a long-standing opposition leader against apartheid. He was known for his fierce advocacy for human rights, his role in calling for a negotiated end to apartheid, and eventually serving as South African Ambassador to the United States during the country's democratic transition.

What was Harry Schwarz's role in the anti-apartheid movement?

Schwarz was a relentless opponent of apartheid from within the white political establishment. He advocated for aggressive opposition to the National Party, helped establish the Torch Commando to protest disenfranchisement of Coloured people, served as a defence lawyer in the Rivonia Trial, and was instrumental in signing the Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith for a non-racial democratic society. He was also a founding member of the Democratic Party.

What was the Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith?

The Mahlabatini Declaration of Faith, signed in 1974 by Harry Schwarz and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, was a groundbreaking agreement. It was the first significant public accord between a white opposition leader and a prominent black liberation movement figure, articulating a shared vision for a non-racial, democratic future for South Africa and demonstrating an early commitment to negotiation.

How was Harry Schwarz involved in the Rivonia Trial?

Harry Schwarz served as a key defence lawyer in the 1964 Rivonia Trial, a landmark legal case in which several prominent anti-apartheid leaders, including Nelson Mandela, were prosecuted by the apartheid government. His involvement underscored his early commitment to fighting injustice.

Why was Harry Schwarz appointed South African Ambassador to the United States in 1990?

His appointment was highly symbolic. Given his long and unwavering anti-apartheid record, it signalled the de Klerk government's genuine commitment to reform and a peaceful democratic transition. He played a crucial role in renewing South Africa's international image and facilitating global re-engagement during a pivotal period.