Dene Smuts, Ex-Fair Lady Editor and MP, Passes Away

CAPE TOWN – Dene Smuts, the well-known former editor of Fair Lady magazine and a member of parliament for the Democratic Party, has died suddenly.

The Democratic Alliance said it was with sadness that it noted the passing of Smuts, who served in parliament for 25 years, from 1989 to 2014, where she made history being the first female MP to become a party whip. Prior to that she was a journalist, editor at Fair Lady and award-winning author.

The cause of death was not made known, although one news report said she had complained to a family member of chest pains shortly before she died.

“She was a fearsome debater in caucus and in the House, and many a government Minister withered under her trenchant questioning,” the DA said in its statement.

“During the constitutional negotiations of the early 1990s, Dene served on the then DP’s negotiating team, and contributed significantly to the writing of the Bill of Rights and in defining a proper process for judicial appointments,” it said. “She established herself as being unwaveringly committed to the founding principles of the Constitution, and always fought for them in Parliament.”

The Congress of the People said it was saddened to hear of her passing. “She was tall and imposing and equally tall in principle. No wonder she made such a great MP and was treated with so much respect,” the party said in a statement.

The ANC released a statement of condolences to the family of Dene Smuts, saying she contributed “to the diverse tapestry that is the South African democratic transformation project.