14 Facts About Frene Ginwala

Frene Noshir Ginwala was a South African journalist and politician who was the first speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa from 1994 to 2004.

Frene Ginwala was influential in the writing of the Constitution of South Africa and an important figure in establishing democracy in South Africa.

Frene Ginwala has written a number of books dealing with various aspects of the struggle against injustice.

Frene Ginwala organised safe houses for those who had to remain in the country.

Frene Ginwala gave lectures to trainee diplomats at Oxford University where she studied for her PhD, she wrote for a number of the established media outlets in the UK and elsewhere including the BBC.

Frene Ginwala was instrumental in establishing a communications system in the newly established United Republic of Tanzania.

Frene Ginwala held academic titles from several universities in Africa and abroad.

Frene Ginwala was a barrister at law; historian; a political scientist, and held a doctorate in philosophy from Linacre College at Oxford University.

Frene Ginwala was nominated by the ANC caucus and elected by parliament as the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, a position she held from 1994 until 2004.

Frene Ginwala was appointed the first chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal in April 2005.

Frene Ginwala decided generally in favour of Pikoli, but criticised poor communication between departments.

Frene Ginwala criticised the Director General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Advocate Menzi Simelane, whose testimony was contradictory, and without basis in fact or Law.

Frene Ginwala had harsh words for president Jacob Zuma on his subsequent appointment of Simelane to National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Frene Ginwala died from complications of a stroke suffered two weeks earlier on 12 January 2023, at the age of 90.