Helen Suzman earned her place in South Africa's political history through her persistent and courageous opposition to the inhumane system of apartheid, President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Thursday.

"At a time when the apartheid government sought a blackout on critical and independent views about the inhumanities inflicted on millions of South Africans it was Helen Suzman who stood out as one of the few remaining voices of reason in the darkest days of our country's history."

He said South Africans of all persuasions should honour Helen Suzman and show appreciation of her contribution to the building of a democratic society.

"On Sunday, as all of us will be saying our last goodbye to Helen Suzman, the national flag at all flag posts throughout the country shall be flown at half-mast in celebration of her life."

Sapa