Nan Cross

Nan Cross (3 January 1928 – 14 July 2007) was a South African anti-apartheid and anti-conscription activist.

Early life and education Nan Cross was born in Pretoria, South Africa, before the apartheid era, when racial segregation was less formalised. Her father worked as a lawyer for the Pretoria City Council. She was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. She was 79 years old. Cross's health had deteriorated in the months before her death. However, she was honoured by family and friends at a tea party just a week before her death. Nan Cross never married. She was survived by two sisters, Betty and Marjorie, and her nieces and nephews.

Laura Pollecutt, acting coordinator of the Ceasefire Campaign, said of Nan Cross,

"She was a tiny little woman, but she wasn't afraid of anything. She kept us all going...if we became a little battle-fatigued ... she was there for us...Many of the young men who became conscientious objectors drew inspiration and strength from her. She regularly attended court when the law came down on them and gave support and solace to their families...Her ability to integrate her religious faith with her commitment to social justice and non-violence drew her into anti-apartheid activity. She had a strong personality and an incredibly sharp and honed intellect."