Nontsikelelo Qulo

Yesterday was the funeral of iconic human rights and activists, George Bizos.

The ceremony was held in the Greek Orthodox Church in Johannesburg, where the Bizos’ family was joined by the President Cyril Ramaphosa to bid him a farewell and pay their last respects. He was later put to rest in the Westpark cemetery in Randburg

Bizos passed away on the 9th of September 2020 at the age of 92.

After his passing, on Tuesday President Ramaphosa announced that his funeral would be a special official state funeral.

Ramaphosa paid his respects to Bizos and applauded him for the great work he has contributed to South Africa’s democracy.

“George Bizos brought a unique quality of personal and intellect to bare on his knowledge of the law and the constitution of our country, his contribution has simply been quite extraordinary.”

Ramaphosa added that Bizos leaves behind a legacy for the next generation to follow in his (Bizos) footsteps.

Michael Bizos, Bizos’ grandson said he will never forget how kind his grandfather was.

“The enduring memory I’ll have of Papa was how his humility was always present. He never saw himself as bigger than just a man. He wore his fame well. His time was always spent by being present, whether it was with the family, a person who had approached him on the street for a word or a handshake or with presidents and prime ministers,” he said.

Picture: dailymaverick.co.za