I refer to the excellent article on Helen Suzman in the Sunday Tribune (October 28), "A liberal measure of courage" by Fiona Forde. In this letter I pay tribute to a very great South African.

In the foreword to her autobiography, our greatly esteemed former president, Nelson Mandela, declared "This book relives a magnificent battle against apartheid. Without apologising for her using the South African parliamentary process, Helen's participation in opposing the complete absence of democracy in South Africa under the National Party rule must be applauded".

Of her autobiography Nadine Gordimer, one of South Africa's Nobel Prize Laureates, stated, "Helen Suzman had the brains and dignity to stick to her weapons and their target: her impeccably informed gift of debate hits the bull's eye of apartheid laws". The Times, arguably the most famous newspaper in the world said of Helen Suzman, "In all the annals of parliamentarism in the English-speaking world, Helen Suzman may have been the best there has ever been."

Although Helen Suzman has always been a controversial political figure, her political sagacity and integrity remain exemplary. In her long and arduous fight against racial injustice she was at all times motivated by a profound compassion for the disadvantaged people of this country. As a politician she was fearless, and as a political debater she was virtually without peer. She worked tirelessly to expose injustice and secure redress for the many wrongs committed against defenceless persons.

Suzman has never tried to please or appease. She has the courage of her convictions and continues to voice unpopular viewpoints. For this she deserves to be lauded. On November 7 she will be 90 years of age.

Millions of South Africans salute her for the inestimable contribution she has made to this great country.

Prof G E Devenish (DA Councillor, Durban)