WORLD : Queen Makes Dame of Suzman

Former South African lawmaker Helen Suzman was made an honorary dame today by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of her lengthy campaign against apartheid.

Suzman said after a ceremony at Buckingham Palace that the queen told her she was delighted to confer the award. Suzman, 71, who retired as a lawmaker this year, said she, too, was “delighted and honored by the award. It was very unexpected.”

The title is the female equivalent of a knighthood. Since it is honorary, she cannot call herself Dame Helen, but the honor still carries prestige.

Suzman was first elected as a member of Parliament in 1952 and for many years was the lone representative of the white Liberal Progressive Federal Party, now part of a new opposition party.