Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Dag Henrichsen
Published on 2024-03-02 06:00:00
Advocate Karen Blum-Marshall, a prominent figure in Windhoek, passed away at the age of 85 in George, South Africa on 17 February. She held the distinction of being the first female lawyer and acting judge in Namibia, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession.
During the 1960s, gaining admission to the advocate’s profession in Windhoek was a challenging task due to strict control by South Africa. The law mandated that applicants had to be domiciled in South Africa, which posed a challenge for Blum-Marshall who was residing in its colony, South West Africa. Her father, Israel Goldblatt, a respected advocate in Windhoek, along with her, petitioned the South African legislature for amendments to the law. Finally, in 1966, after the changes were made, she was admitted to the Windhoek bar.
Blum-Marshall’s career saw her break numerous barriers, including becoming the first female judge in Johannesburg and Windhoek in 1988. Despite her accomplishments, she faced the notorious glass ceiling that often hindered women’s progress in their careers.
Blum-Marshall’s political views were shaped significantly during her time in Windhoek in the 1960s. Her father engaged in clandestine discussions with Namibian nationalists, such as Clemens Kapuuo, and provided legal support for individuals like Brendan Simbwaye. This led to accusations of fostering anti-Swanu sentiments, resulting in surveillance by the South African security police. However, over time, her efforts were recognized, and even Swanu’s president in exile, Jariretundu Kozonguizi, acknowledged her contributions.
In 1988, Blum-Marshall married Don Marshall, a prominent figure in the legal and administrative department of the Johannesburg City Council. After retiring in Hoekwil near Wilderness, South Africa, in the mid-1990s, she collaborated with her sister, Naomi Jacobson, on various projects, including the publication of a book on their father’s legacy.
Her dedication to preserving her father’s legacy led to the publication of ‘Israel Goldblatt: Building Bridges’, which shed light on the relationships between the Goldblatt family and Namibian nationalists. Through this work, she fostered connections with key figures like reverend Bartholomews Karuaera, Zedekia Ngavirue, and Peter Katjavivi.
Karen Blum-Marshall is survived by her daughters Dominique Malherbe and Roxanne Blum, her grandchildren, and her former husband, Werner Blum. Her legacy as a trailblazer in the legal profession and her contributions to the Namibian liberation struggle will be remembered for years to come.
Read the original article on The Namibian
