Black Sash pays tribute to its patron Sheena Duncan

It is with deep regret and sadness that the Black Sash wishes to inform you of the death of its patron and veteran human rights activist Sheena Duncan. Sheena died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Johannesburg in the early hours of this morning. She was 78 and had been battling illness for some time. She was born in Johannesburg in November 1932, the eldest of five children. She was married to Neil Duncan, who predeceased her, and they leave two daughters, Lindsay and Carey, and two grandchildren.

Sheena’s mother, June Sinclair, was a founding member of the Black Sash and Sheena herself joined the organisation in 1963. She served two terms as National President before becoming the founding Chair of the Black Sash Trust and later, the organisation’s first patron. She was a leading member of the South African Council of Churches, becoming its honorary life President, and chair and patron of Gun-Free South Africa.

Black Sash Trustee, Mary Burton, says Sheena was a person of enormous integrity and commitment. “I remember her as a dedicated and meticulous worker at the Black Sash’s Johannesburg Advice Office, where people came to seek her counsel, where she learned daily of the sufferings of African citizens under the repressive laws of apartheid, and where journalists, diplomats, political analysts, and lawyers came for first-hand experience of the results of that injustice. Her leadership of the organisation came not only from her wide knowledge and understanding, but also from the warmth and humour of her involvement,” says Burton.

In 1986, Sheena received the Liberal International Prize for Freedom for her outstanding contribution to human rights and political freedom.  She was awarded the Order of Simon of Cyrene by the Anglican Church  in 1988, and in 2006 she was made Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab (in silver) for “her excellent contribution to the struggle for a non-sexist,  just, and democratic South Africa”. She has received honorary doctorates in Law from the University of the Witwatersrand (1990), the University of Cape Town (1991), and the University of Natal (1995).

Black Sash National Director, Marcella Naidoo, says Sheena was the leading expert in understanding the impact of the pass laws, analysing their effect and exposing their cruelty and absurdity. “Equally important was her commitment to finding peaceful ways of opposing oppression and injustice. Indeed, this will be her legacy: an enduring commitment to work for justice, an unshaken faith in peaceful ways of doing so, a warm and courageous heart for supporting those who suffer. Black Sash members and co-workers are united in remembering her incredible spirit and great humour. She will certainly not be forgotten,” insists Naidoo.

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