Crystal J Dicks

Obituary

Dear family, comrades and friends, you are invited to pay tribute on these pages to our recently departed and beloved mother, daughter, sister, comrade and activist, Crystal Dicks.

Crystal passed away at the home that she had lovingly and meticulously constructed for her and her daughter, Hanin, on Monday 6 October 2025.

Crystal's exceptional loyalty and love are reflected by the immense outpouring of messages from an extensive network of family, friends, colleagues and comrades. In this time of our shared grief, we cannot help but remember how Crystal adored gathering her friends and loved ones around the kitchen table, laden with delicious, and exquisitely presented meals. Serious conversations--perhaps even discourse--about the state of the world were never far behind, as was bountiful laughter. These were always on her menu.

Despite the tragedy of Crystal’s life being abruptly cut short, we are grateful to know that it was a life filled with creativity and commitment to multiple activities and causes that were often initiated, driven and sustained by her passion and strong sense of justice. However, wherever and whenever she worked with others, her contributions were underpinned by her dedication to inclusivity, and Crystal always led by example.

As a mother, Crystal parented with extraordinary intention and love. Every decision she made was guided by one question: what would be best for Hanin? Hanin was her centre, her compass and her joy. As a single mother, Crystal built not only a home but a community around her--a circle of feminist friends and parents who shared her belief that love and justice belong together. Her life was thoughtful and deliberate, shaped by care, conviction and the desire to raise a daughter who could think critically, live freely and contribute meaningfully. In recent years as Hanin came into her own, Crystal delighted in simply being with her, travelling and exploring places, near and far, sharing long conversations and great laughter, always over good food. She loved learning from and with Hanin, and was proud of the young woman that Hanin is becoming: politically conscious, curious and kind. Crystal believed that in raising Hanin with the principles and values that she believed in--and which were embodied so fiercely by her--that she was shaping a world reflective of the justice, courage and compassion by which she lived.

Along with many of her generation, Crystal's activism began as a young student when she courageously stood against the brutality of apartheid rule. From a young age she understood the need to make common cause with others, to work together in a democratic manner, despite all odds. At all times, Crystal was guided by principles founded on solidarity, love, and a vision of the future where the most marginalized might also realize their power and potential. She was a consummate internationalist and an unapologetic socialist feminist. Her support for a free Palestine was unshakeable.

Crystal's working life was extensive and included parliamentary lobbying, developing and delivering non-sectarian and innovative workers' education, countless research projects, mentoring old and new activists, and being an exemplary role model to young feminists--this particularly as she addressed the scourge of gender-based violence in the country. Throughout her 52 years of life, Crystal challenged divisive and negative sentiment and stereotypes, and above all else, developed action strategies for a world free of oppression. She was never afraid to speak truth to power, and was a committed activist every day that she was alive.

Many will remember her capacity and strength to grapple with difficult challenges whether these occurred in her personal or professional life, or in the struggle for liberation. Her sharp intellect and keen capacity to listen and learn were legendary, as were her infectious good humour and joyful, boisterous laughter. Despite upheavals and challenges, Crystal lived life to the full, creating a loving home and an abundant life for Hanin without a hint of self-congratulation. She read voraciously, loved poetry, music and film and relished wicked, good humour. Above all this, she was a fully engaged mother to Hanin and to scores of young people whom she mentored, counseled and housed.

In time, a full and comprehensive record of Crystal's personal and political achievements and inspired life must be recorded, and shared. We invite you here to begin to tell the story of Crystal by posting your memories and tributes on the Memory Wall.

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Richard Dicks

Mercia Dicks

 Rudi Dicks

Dee Dicks

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