Dot Cleminshaw

Dorothy Cleminshaw (; 15 September 1922 – 18 December 2011) was a South African civil rights activist and anti-apartheid activist. A member of the Liberal Party of South Africa, she was a prominent figure in the Black Sash in the Western Cape, known particularly for her research and advocacy on political detentions, abortion rights, and conscientious objection.

Early life and education Cleminshaw was born in Cape Town on 15 September 1922. At age 16, she matriculated from the Ellerslie School in Sea Point. She went on to attend the University of South Africa, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts.

Activism and research Cleminshaw worked as a secretary while attending university and she was a secretary in the Department of Defence in Pretoria during World War II.

Cleminshaw's later career included stints working at the Institute of Race Relations, at Zonnebloem College, and at the South African Council of Higher Education under Bill Hoffenberg. In addition to her support for political prisoners, she was known for her research and advocacy in respect of apartheid legislation, the right to abortion, and the End Conscription Campaign.

Personal life and death In the 1950s, she married Harry Cleminshaw, who predeceased her. They had children and grandchildren.