IN PICTURES | The life of human rights lawyer George Bizos

Renowned human rights activist and lawyer George Bizos died on Wednesday, aged 91. We look back in his heroic life in pictures.

George Bizos was laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Thursday. File photo.
George Bizos was laid to rest at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Thursday. File photo. (GARY VAN WYK)

Renowned human rights activist and lawyer George Bizos died on Wednesday aged 91.

We look back in his heroic life in pictures.

1960s. Portrait of a young George Bizos outside court, carrying his robes.
1960s. Portrait of a young George Bizos outside court, carrying his robes. (Len Gallagher. © Rand Daily Mail/ Tiso Blackstar Group)
November 18 1977. George Bizos in court, acting for the family of deceased activist Steve Biko, who died in detention in police custody.
November 18 1977. George Bizos in court, acting for the family of deceased activist Steve Biko, who died in detention in police custody. (Andrzej Sawa. © Rand Daily Mail/ Times Media)
November 7 1972. George Bizos.
November 7 1972. George Bizos. (Rand Daily Mail/ Tiso Blackstar Group)
1997: Human rights lawyer George Bizos, the Biko family's lawyer, at the TRC amnesty hearing of Steve Bikos murderers, Port Elizabeth. Mr Bizos appeared for famalies oppossing amnesty at the TRC.
1997: Human rights lawyer George Bizos, the Biko family's lawyer, at the TRC amnesty hearing of Steve Bikos murderers, Port Elizabeth. Mr Bizos appeared for famalies oppossing amnesty at the TRC. (Photo by Gallo Images/Oryx Media Archive)
Speakers have hailed advocate George Bizos for humility and passion for humanity. File photo.
Speakers have hailed advocate George Bizos for humility and passion for humanity. File photo. (Sowetan/Thulani Mbele)
September 8 2014. George Bizos, who represented the families of the 34 dead miners during the Marikana strike, was part of the large crowd of lawyers, police officers, journalists and evidence leaders gathered in Marikana, North West, on Monday.
September 8 2014. George Bizos, who represented the families of the 34 dead miners during the Marikana strike, was part of the large crowd of lawyers, police officers, journalists and evidence leaders gathered in Marikana, North West, on Monday. (Moeletsi Mabe. © The Times)
January 27 2016. Stalwarts in the struggle against apartheid Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, Joel Joffe and George Bizos received the Freedom of the City of London at The Guildhall.
January 27 2016. Stalwarts in the struggle against apartheid Ahmed Kathrada, Denis Goldberg, Joel Joffe and George Bizos received the Freedom of the City of London at The Guildhall. (Thabo Jaiyesimi)
MARCH 29, 2017: Andrew Mlangeni and George Bizos attend the funeral service of, ANC stalwart, Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada on March 29, 2017.
MARCH 29, 2017: Andrew Mlangeni and George Bizos attend the funeral service of, ANC stalwart, Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada on March 29, 2017. (Gallo Images/ Beeld / Felix Dlangamandla)
APRIL 20 2016: Advocate George Bizos, Sello Mlangeni, Frans Shelang and former mayor Parks Tau during The Freedom of the City Awards ceremony on April 20, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
APRIL 20 2016: Advocate George Bizos, Sello Mlangeni, Frans Shelang and former mayor Parks Tau during The Freedom of the City Awards ceremony on April 20, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Gallo Images / The Times / Antonio Muchave)
JULY 10 2014: George Bizos speaks about his memories of Nelson Mandela on July 10, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
JULY 10 2014: George Bizos speaks about his memories of Nelson Mandela on July 10, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Gallo Images / City Press / Lucky Nxumalo)
FEBRUARY 19 2014: Advocate George Bizos receives a Luminary Award from the Free Market Foundation on February 19, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The human rights lawyer received the award for his fearless defense of South Africa's struggle Heroes.
FEBRUARY 19 2014: Advocate George Bizos receives a Luminary Award from the Free Market Foundation on February 19, 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The human rights lawyer received the award for his fearless defense of South Africa's struggle Heroes. (Gallo Images / Sowetan / Antonio Muchave)


Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Comment icon