The African National Congress (ANC) has expressed sadness at the passing of veteran anti-apartheid activist, journalist and educator Terry Bell at the age of 84.
In a statement, the ANC extended condolences to Bell’s family, friends and comrades in South Africa and across the international progressive movement.
The party described Bell as a principled voice whose life was dedicated to the pursuit of justice, equality and human dignity.
Bell was part of a generation of activists who believed the fight against apartheid required courage, sacrifice and international solidarity. During his early years as a journalist, he helped establish the non-racial South African Journalists’ Union and later worked underground on the publication Combat. He was also detained under apartheid laws.
The ANC said Bell spent several years in exile, including in Zambia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. During this time he also contributed to education development at the Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College (SOMAFCO) in Tanzania.
Bell was widely respected in South Africa’s media and labour circles for his writing on workers’ struggles and social justice. After returning from exile, he continued working as a journalist and political analyst, contributing to several publications and commentary platforms.
He also co-authored the book Unfinished Business: South Africa, Apartheid and Truth, which examined the country’s transition to democracy and the challenges that remained after apartheid. His reporting and analysis frequently focused on labour rights, inequality and accountability in democratic South Africa.
Throughout his career, Bell remained known for his independent and critical voice, often challenging both government and business on issues affecting working-class communities.
The ANC said Bell’s legacy serves as a reminder that the struggle for a more equal and humane society did not end in 1994 but continues in new forms.
