The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its grief at the passing of Georgios Bizos, an emblematic figure of the Greek community of South Africa and a defender of human rights.
George Bizos, a prominent lawyer, dedicated his life to defending human rights and stood firmly at Nelson Mandela’s side in the fight against apartheid.
He served as a member of Nelson Mandela’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and played a substantial role in the revision of the country’s Constitution with regard to guarantee and protection of human rights for all citizens of South Africa.
As a founding member of the, very important to Hellenism, South African Hellenic Educational and Technical Institute (SAHETI) in Johannesburg and in his international effort to see the Parthenon Marbles returned to Greece, he was a bridge of friendship and cooperation between Greece and South Africa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, and the political and civil leadership of the Ministry express their deep condolences to his family and loved ones.
September 10, 2020