Not white or black enough: Regina Brooks who defied Immorality Act dies

12 September 2024 - 19:00
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Regina Brooks died on Tuesday aged 91.
Regina Brooks died on Tuesday aged 91.
Image: Supplied.

Regina Brooks, a white woman who defied the Immorality Act in the 1950s when she was involved in a relationship with a black man, died on Tuesday. She was 91. 

The Immorality Act, which was passed in 1927 and repealed in the 1980s, prohibited people from falling in love or marrying across the colour line. 

It is said Brooks asked in 1955 to be reclassified as coloured, which would enable her to live among black people and also keep her baby, Thandi. Brooks, who lived in Eldorado Park, was harassed by the apartheid government for living with black people.

In 2017, Brooks’ life was turned into a stage play Gone Native — The Life and Times of Regina Brooks

The Life and Times of Regina Brooks – it portrays the power of love, the strength and resilience of youth, and the complex nature of life in the old South Africa. It encourages young South Africans today, to follow their hearts beyond political boundaries and to persevere against all odds. Musicians: @Lebogang Mokhela, @Ezbie Moiloa, @Fana Abednigo, @Ntokozo Zungu Writer & director: @Makhaola Ndebele Music Composer: @Hugh Masekela Foundation Choreographer: @Douglas Sekete Producer: @Lindiwe Lekasapa Stage Manager: @Emelda Khola Lighting Designer: @Mandla Mtshali Sound Designer: @Mthobisi Cele Set and Costume Designer: @Noluthando Lobese

Brooks’ son. Harold Brooks, said the family was sad but thankful that she lived so long. 

Harold said his mother is survived by all six of her children, 28 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. 

TimesLIVE 


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