Helen Suzman was a towering figure of moral and political courage, the British High Commission said on Thursday.

"She provided an unerring compass for what was right and wrong within our world. A consummate politician, she was an inspiration not only for those who were privileged to know her personally, but for successive generations of human rights activists the world over," said high commissioner Paul Boateng.

The commissioner said Suzman would always be remembered whenever people come together in the cause of freedom and justice.

Helen Suzman was made an honorary dame by Queen Elizabeth in 1989

Sapa