Honoring an American Human Rights Leader

Gay McDougall, one of this blog’s distinguished contributors, has been a human rights leader in the U.S. and internationally. 

This week, the South African Government announced that it is awarding the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo to Professor McDougall.  The Order is granted by the president of South Africa to foreign citizens who have promoted South African interests and aspirations through cooperation, solidarity and support.  McDougall will be named a Grand Companion of O.R. Tambo (silver).  Past American recipients of the award include Andrew Young, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Randall Robinson.  The Letter of Commendation lauds McDougall “[f]or her excellent contribution in the fight against apartheid and injustices meted out on the black majority,” and cites her work throughout the 1980s and 1990s to engage the international community in ending apartheid.    

One component of the award is a ceremonial walking stick incorporating an entwined mole snake.  In African mythology, the mole snake visits babies in a spirit of benevolence.  The snake comes as a friend and protector to prepare the baby for a successful and safe adult life. The mole snake can be aggressive and can give painful bites but is non-venomous.  

Professor McDougall continues her path-breaking human rights work in several current projects, domestic as well as international.  However, this significant award is a timely and well-deserved recognition of the energy and “bite” that she brought to her innovative work to end apartheid in South Africa, and that continues to infuse her human rights advocacy.

The Medal ceremony will take place in Pretoria on April 27th, the date on which South Africa’s first democratic elections were held.