Passing of a Distinguished South African
The South African Jewish community mourns the passing earlier today, following a short illness, of one of its most illustrious members, Harry Schwarz. One of the last of a generation of German Jewish refugees from Nazism who came to South Africa in the 1930s, he rendered sterling service to his adopted country, whether in the political, diplomatic, human rights, legal or Jewish communal fields. He was best known for his distinguished record as an Opposition parliamentarian from 1974-1989, in which he was amongst the most forthright and effective campaigners against apartheid.
Harry Heinz Schwarz was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1924, and arrived in South Africa in 1936. During World War II, he served as a Navigator in the SA Air Force, thereafter qualifying as a lawyer at the University of the Witwatersrand. He practised as both an advocate and an attorney, amongst other things serving on the defense team of Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists during the 1963-4 Rivonia Trial.
Schwarz's political career commenced with his election to the Johannesburg City Council in 1951. As a member of the opposition United Party, he was Leader of the Provincial Opposition from 1963-1974. He entered Parliament on the UP ticket in 1974, and was Official Opposition spokesman on finance until 1987. As an MP, he forcefully denounced the government's racial policies, as well as strongly speaking out when required against antisemitism.
From 1990-1994, although still on the Opposition benches, Schwarz served as South Africa's ambassador to the United States. For his services to South Africa, he was awarded the Order for Meritorious Service: Class 1, Gold.
Schwarz was further active in Jewish communal affairs, serving from 1983-2000 on the National Executive, Management Committee and Gauteng Council of the SA Jewish Board of Deputies. He remained actively involved in Jewish communal work to the very end.
The funeral for Harry Schwarz will take place at the West Park Jewish Cemetery on Sunday, 7 February, at 10h30.
Statement issued by Marlene Bethlehem, South African Jewish Board of Deputies, February 5 2010
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