De Keyser, Ethel (1926–2004)
De Keyser, Ethel (1926–2004)
South African anti-apartheid activist. Born Ethel Tarshish, Nov 4, 1926, in South Africa; died July 16, 2004, in England; dau. of a garment factory owner; sister of Jack Tarshish (jailed for 12 years for anti-apartheid work); m. David de Keyser (div.).
Particapted in the underground activities of the African National Congress (ANC), including helping activists flee the country; deported to Britain, spent the rest of her life there pursuing freedom for South Africa; in London, served as executive secretary for the Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM, 1967–76); worked with Hugh Lewin, to set up SATIS (1973), which dealt with the plight of political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela; became director of the British Defence and Aid Fund for Southern Africa (1981). Awarded OBE (2001).