Mark Heywood
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| Mark Heywood | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| 🏳️ Nationality | South African |
| 🏫 Education | Balliol College, Oxford (English language and literature); University of the Witwatersrand (African literature) |
| 💼 Occupation | Human rights and social justice activist |
| Known for | Co-founding the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Section 27 |
Mark Heywood is a South African human rights and social justice activist known for his work in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for socio-economic rights. He has been involved in numerous high-profile cases and campaigns, advocating for access to healthcare and challenging excessive pricing by pharmaceutical companies.
On 7 December 2023, he announced that he would be quitting his job as editor of the Citizen section of the news site, Daily Maverick, to join Roger Jardine in forming a new political platform to contest South Africa's 2024 general election..[1].
Early life and education[edit]
Heywood grew up in various countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, and England. He studied English language and literature at Balliol College, Oxford and later African literature at the University of the Witwatersrand[2]
Activism[edit]
Heywood's activism began in the early 1980s in England as a member of the Militant Tendency. He continued his political activism in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa as a leader of the Marxist Workers Tendency of the ANC. After South Africa's liberation in 1994, he joined the AIDS Law Project alongside Justice Edwin Cameron and Zackie Achmat.[2]
Treatment Action Campaign[edit]
In 1998, Heywood co-founded the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), which became a leading force in advocating for access to HIV treatment in South Africa. The TAC has been instrumental in various legal battles to ensure the availability of antiretroviral drugs.
Section 27[edit]
Heywood was also a co-founder of Section 27, which incorporated the AIDS Law Project in 2010. Section 27 derives its name from the part of the South African Constitution that enshrines the right to healthcare, food, water, and social security[3]
Academic and Professional Contributions[edit]
Heywood has published extensively on topics related to HIV, human rights, and politics in both academic and popular media. His memoir, "Get Up! Stand Up! Personal Journeys Towards Social Justice," was published in 2017. He has served as an adjunct professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Governance at the University of Cape Town and was a visiting researcher at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, University of Oxford.[2]
Legacy and Impact[edit]
Mark Heywood's work has had a profound impact on the lives of many South Africans, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. His commitment to social justice and human rights continues to inspire activists and policymakers alike.
References[edit]
- ↑ "Activist Mark Heywood joins Roger Jardine to form new political platform". Retrieved 2023-12-07.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Mark Heywood | Faculty of Law". Retrieved 2023-12-07.
- ↑ "Get up! Stand up! Meet Mark Heywood, co-founder of Treatment Action Campaign". Retrieved 2023-12-07.
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