I can say unequivocally that the boycott does not work. It’s never complete enough to have impact unless it’s backed by force, and I don’t think anybody in America seriously proposes that.

About Helen Suzman

Helen Suzman, OMSG, DBEwas a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. She represented a series of liberal and centre-left opposition parties during her 36-year tenure in the whites-only, National Party-controlled House of Assembly of South Africa at the height of apartheid.

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More quotes from Helen Suzman

I used to be a fan of proportional representation, but I am not at all now I have seen it in action.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

I am provocative, and I admit this. It isn’t as if I’m only on the receiving end, a poor, frail little creature. I can be thoroughly nasty when I get going, and I don’t pull my punches.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

I don’t think we will ever go the way of Zimbabwe, but people are concerned.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

It is the answers, not the questions, that are embarrassing.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

I represent all the enlightened people in this country, and that’s a fine thing to be able to do. It infuriates my opponents when I say this, but it is true.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

All these stories are grist to the mill of the government because they build up a very useful war psychosis.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

Debate is almost non-existent and no one is apparently accountable to anybody apart from their political party bosses. It is bad news for democracy in this country.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

For all my criticisms of the current system, it doesn’t mean that I would like to return to the old one.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

I stand for simple justice, equal opportunity and human rights. The indispensable elements in a democratic society – and well worth fighting for.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

That’s my life in there. It would never be possible today to ask as many questions as I did.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

My own electorate, which I represented for 36 years as an anti-apartheid politician, had a considerable number of Jewish voters supporting me throughout my career.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

The employment laws are completely unrealistic. You cannot overcome that in only 10 years. It will take at least another generation before young people are properly qualified.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

This country is armed to the teeth, and none of these African states could begin to attack South Africa.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

I am hopeful about any future for whites in this country, but not entirely optimistic.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

I can say unequivocally that the boycott does not work. It’s never complete enough to have impact unless it’s backed by force, and I don’t think anybody in America seriously proposes that.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)

Tool of Communist agitators… it’s really a joke, isn’t it? Because, quite clearly, we are a party of real moderates. It just shows how little they understand.

Helen Suzman

South African politician (1917-2009)