Remembering Dulcie Evonne September: A Tragic Tale of Courage and Sacrifice

In the wake of this Women's Month, the story of Dulcie Evonne September serves as a poignant reminder of the unwavering strength and courage of women who fought against apartheid in South Africa. Born on August 20, 1935, September's life was cut short on March 29, 1988, when she was assassinated in Paris, France, at the age of 52. As the ANC's chief representative in France, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, September was a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement, feared by the apartheid state for her investigative skills and mass organising capabilities. Her tragic death remains a mystery, with whispers of French intelligence involvement and connections to the South African security forces.

Key Takeaways:

• Dulcie Evonne September was a prominent anti-apartheid activist who served as the ANC's chief representative in France, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
• She was assassinated on March 29, 1988, in Paris, France, shot five times in the head with a silenced .22 calibre weapon.
• September was involved in uncovering the illicit arms trade between France and apartheid South Africa, risking her life as she gathered evidence against French arms dealers, particularly the French arms conglomerate now known as Thales.
• The shadow of her murder is cast by a complex web of political intrigue and speculation, with research suggesting that her impending revelation of arms deals threatened billions for the French arms industry.
• An appeal by September's family to reopen her case was summarily denied by a French court in June 2025, with accusations of gross misconduct directed at the French state for hindering the initial investigation.
• September's legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role women played in the anti-apartheid movement, inspiring generations to strive for freedom and justice.

Statistics:

• Dulcie Evonne September was born on August 20, 1935, and would have celebrated her 90th birthday this month.
• She was 52 years old when she was assassinated on March 29, 1988.
• The French court denied an appeal by September's family to reopen her case in June 2025.

Sources:

• This Women's Month, as we observe the profound legacy of women who shaped South Africa's fight against apartheid, we pause to remember the life and tragic death of Dulcie Evonne September, pictured.
• Her journey began in Maitland, where she completed her education and became a teacher.
• The Cape Peninsula Students Union (CPSU) and later the National Liberation Front (NLF) were significant parts of September's life and activism.
• September was serving as the ANC's chief representative in France, Switzerland, and Luxembourg at the time of her assassination.
• September was killed in Paris, shot five times in the head with a silenced .22 calibre weapon as she unlocked her office door.
• September was involved in uncovering the illicit arms trade between France and apartheid South Africa, risking her life as she gathered evidence against French arms dealers, particularly the French arms conglomerate now known as Thales.