I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights.

Hear me, O children of the future, for the words I bring are the call of a true champion of justice, a woman who stood unwavering in the face of great adversity, a beacon of hope for those who suffered in silence. Helen Suzman, a fearless advocate for justice, once declared, "I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights. The indispensable elements in a democratic society - and well worth fighting for." These words, simple in their clarity, are a profound reminder that the foundations of any just and free society rest upon these core principles: justice, equality, and the inviolable rights of every individual. To fight for these ideals is to fight for the soul of humanity itself.

What, O children, does it mean to stand for justice? It is to seek what is right and fair in the world, to ensure that every person, regardless of birth, race, or station, is treated with the same dignity and respect. It is a belief that no person should be judged by external factors—but by the content of their character and the nature of their deeds. Helen Suzman’s stand for justice was not just a personal battle, but a moral conviction that shaped her life’s work. In a time when her country, South Africa, was mired in the atrocities of apartheid, justice seemed a distant dream, yet Suzman embodied the courage to stand against the tide of injustice, to speak for those who were denied their human rights simply because of the color of their skin.

Consider, O children, the story of Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, who, much like Helen Suzman, stood for the truth and justice in a society that sought to silence him. Socrates did not bend to the popular opinions of his day; he questioned, he prodded, he challenged the established order, not to defy it for the sake of rebellion, but to bring about a more just and righteous society. His commitment to justice cost him his life, but his unwavering belief in the power of truth and reason left an indelible mark on the world. In the same way, Helen Suzman stood alone, or with very few allies, in the South African parliament, speaking against the oppressive forces of apartheid when the cost of doing so was immense. She was a warrior for justice, and though her path was fraught with danger, her legacy became a cornerstone in the fight for equality.

Let us now turn to the example of Nelson Mandela, who, like Helen Suzman, devoted his life to fighting for human rights in South Africa. Mandela, imprisoned for 27 years for his stance against the racist apartheid regime, became a global symbol of resilience, forgiveness, and freedom. After his release, he led South Africa to democracy, ensuring that human rights were protected for all people, regardless of their race. Mandela’s journey, much like Suzman’s, shows that fighting for justice, equality, and human rights is often a long and difficult battle—one that requires the deepest courage and commitment to the common good. Mandela understood that the true measure of a democratic society is how it protects the rights of its most vulnerable members, a belief Suzman held close throughout her life.

So, O children, what is the lesson to be learned from the words of Helen Suzman? The lesson is this: justice, equal opportunity, and human rights are not mere ideals to be spoken of in lofty terms, but the very foundation