South African Nobel Prize-winning author Nadine Gordimer has died in Johannesburg aged 90. The writer, who was one of the literary world's most powerful voices against apartheid - died at her home after a short illness.
She wrote more than 30 books. She jointly won 1974's Booker Prize for The Conservationist and was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1991. The Nobel committee said at the time it was honouring Gordimer for her "magnificent epic writing" which had been "of very great benefit to humanity".
Nadine Gordimer and Nelson Mandela were close friends
Committed to fighting apartheid, the author was a leading member of the African National Congress (ANC) and fought for the release of Nelson Mandela.
Nadine participated in the “Symposium Culture against Apartheid” that was held in Athens in September 1988, organized by the United Nations Center against Apartheid headed by S. Mousouris. The Symposium adopted the Athens Appeal. Melina Mercouri was the president of the Symposium which was attended by 30 personalities from the worlds of literature, theater, film and music from many countries.
The President of Hellenic –African Chamber of Commerce and Development Dr. Sotiris Mousouris sent the following message to the Ambassador of South Africa:
Dear Ambassador,
With profound sorrow I heard the death of Nadine Gordimer, a brilliant writer and courageous opponent of apartheid and fighter for human rights and freedom.
Please kindly convey to your Government and her family our sincere condolences for the loss of a wonderful friend and a great lady who honored her country.
