During the 1950s and 1960s, Bizos was counsel to a wide range of well-known people including Trevor Huddleston of Sophiatown. George Bizos was famously part of the legal team that defended Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki and Walter Sisulu at the Rivonia Treason Trial from 1963-64.
Meanwhile, South Africans have taken to social media to express their shock at the stalwart’s passing. In a joint statement with the George Bizo's family and the George Bizos Saheti Scholarship, the Legal Resource Centre saluted Bizos saying he had "made an enormous contribution to the ongoing work of the Centre." "From its inception in 1978, he assisted in the background while pursuing his illustrious career, then joined the LRC in 1991, using our Centre as a base in key litigation including leading the team for the government in passing the Constitution in 1996, representing families of apartheid atrocities at the TRC," the organisation said.
In a tweet, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation chief executive Nishan Bolton said he was immensely saddened by George Bizo's passing describing him as a "towering giant in so many faces of our liberation struggle." Bizo's close friend Hillary Hamburger whose husband Denis Kuny worked with Bizos on all political trials said: "I remember him as a great lawyer. I've known him for about 50 years as he worked with Denis. We were very closely knit with his family in the early days. We used to spend time together. George was a great cook. Great lawyer and great freedom fighter." Hamburger maintained that George Bizos' legacy and contribution to a new and better South Africa should be celebrated by all.
George Bizos is renowned for being part of the lawyers who defended Rivonia trialist Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki and Walter Sisulu between 19623 to 1964. He also represented the families of the late former SACP leader Chris Hani and Black Consciousness movement leader and anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko at the Truth and Reconciliation hearings in the 90s. ANC Veterans' League President Snuki Zikala meanwhile said Bizos had fought a good race and had done well for South Africa. Like many others, he commended him for his humanity and his willingness to inspire many. Bizos is survived by his three sons and seven grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon and posted on www.georgebizos.com.
