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. Born on 20 August 1935, Dulcie would have celebrated her 90th birthday this month, invoking both admiration for her unwavering strength and solemn homage for the circumstances surrounding her assassination.

Dulcie’s journey began in Maitland, where she completed her education and became a teacher. However, she soon found her calling within the realms of activism and anti-apartheid politics. Her involvement with the Cape Peninsula Students Union (CPSU) marked the start of a lifelong commitment to the liberation struggle, eventually leading her to become a prominent figure in the African People’s Democratic Union of Southern Africa (APDUSA) and later the National Liberation Front (NLF).

On 29 March 1988, Dulcie was gunned down in Paris, shot five times in the head with a silenced .22 caliber weapon as she unlocked her office door. At the age of 52, she was serving as the African National Congress’s chief representative in France, Switzerland, and Luxembourg—a role that positioned her at the forefront of challenging the apartheid regime.

Dulcie September was feared by the apartheid state because of her investigative skills, mass organising capabilities, and the threat she posed to powerful interests. She was deeply 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 shadows of Dulcie’s murder are cast by a complex web of political intrigue and speculation. Her final communications hinted at the dangers she faced, emphasising that “the enemy is within.” After news broke of her assassination, whispers of French intelligence involvement, alongside connections to the South African security forces, circulated. Research suggests that her impending revelation of arms deals threatened billions for the French arms industry—a motive strong enough for powerful entities to eliminate her.

To this day, questions remain about the circumstances leading to her death. An appeal by Dulcie’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. Such denials bolster the perception that the truth surrounding Dulcie September’s murder has yet to be fully unveiled.

As we reflect on Dulcie’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation, it’s crucial to honour her legacy by advocating for justice. Her unwavering commitment to the struggle and the sacrifices she made serve as a poignant reminder of the critical role women played in the anti-apartheid movement. Dulcie September’s life exemplifies bravery and determination, and her story continues to inspire generations to strive for freedom and justice.

Join us for a collaborative screening and discussion event of Surplus Radical Books,Adwa Movement and Africa Unite (NGO) on Monday 25 August. We will screen Enver Samuel’s documentary Murder in Paris, a thrilling, fast-paced, if densely structured historic intervention – revisits this cold case, diving deepinto several frustrating clues that have been thrown up since September’s death 37years ago.

Samuel also reminds audiences of who September was, where she came from and why her story matters in the larger scheme. He launches into September’s story through the decades-long attempts at cracking the case by investigative journalist and author, Evelyn Groenink.

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