Ruth First was a South African journalist and anti-apartheid activist, born on May 4, 1925. She was known for her fearless reporting and commitment to social justice, often highlighting the struggles faced by marginalized communities in South Africa. First worked for various publications, including the Rand Daily Mail, where her investigative journalism exposed the harsh realities of apartheid. In addition to her journalism, First authored several books, including "117 Days," which detailed her experiences in prison after being detained by the apartheid government. She was a prominent figure in the African National Congress and continued her activism until her assassination in 1982 in Mozambique.