A memorial concert is to be held for a lecturer who was assassinated by South African secret police.

Ruth First, a lecturer at Durham University, was assassinated by  South African secret police 40 years ago - because she fought for freedom for all in South Africa. Now, Durham University is paying homage to her work and sacrifice. 

Durham University, in conjunction with the Ruth First Educational Trust, and the Centre for Humanities Engaging Science and Society will be putting on a concert with the Grammy award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir in the unique setting of Durham Cathedral. 

This performance, to take place on 24 October, is part of the Soweto Gospel Choir's Freedom Tour, which celebrates the struggle for freedom in South Africa, and honours Nelson Mandela. 

Read more: Durham mural to anti-apartheid campaigner Ruth First restored

The Northern Echo: Picture: Ruth FirstPicture: Ruth First (Image: Ruth First)

Ruth First was killed in 1982 by a letter bomb, whilst she was on research leave in Maputo, Mozambique. During her life, First was a vocal campaigner against the apartheid regime, as well as an accoladed scholar and journalist. 

Alongside her husband, Joe Slovo, First was a close personal friend of Nelson Mandela. About his friend, Nelson Mandela said: "Ruth's life, and her death, remain a beacon to all who love liberty."

Soweto Gospel Choir will celebrate the lives of both First and Mandela during their concert at Durham Cathedral, honouring the legacy of liberty that they have left behind. 

A spokesperson for Durham University said: "To year marks the 40th anniversary of Ruth First’s assassination and to mark the occasion, we have organised for the Soweto Gospel Choir to perform at Durham Cathedral.

“The money generated from the ticket sales will be used to cover concert costs and any surplus will be donated to the Ruth First Educational Trust (RFET). The RFET funds a scholarship for a student from southern Africa at the University each year."

“In collaboration with the RFET and the Centre for Humanities Engaging Science and Society (CHESS), the University has carried out a series of events over the last year to celebrate the life and work of Ruth."

The Northern Echo: Grammy-award winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Picture: Henry EngelbrechtGrammy-award winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Picture: Henry Engelbrecht (Image: Henry Engelbrecht)

This concert is the latest in a series of events held in Ruth First's memory. The City of Durham Parish Council unveiled a restored mural dedicated to the famous anti-apartheid campaigner. 

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Chair of the Parish Council Coun. Alan Doig said: “We are absolutely delighted to honour a wonderful person associated with our parish in this way.

In addition to this, a small touring exhibition featuring the original Olivetti typewriter that Ruth used for her activist work as an academic and journalist, will be launched later this year.

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