Ames, Frances (1920–2002)
Ames, Frances (1920–2002)
South African neurologist, psychologist and anti-apartheid activist. Born Frances Rix Ames, 1920, in Pretoria, South Africa; died of leukemia, Nov 11, 2002, in Cape Town, South Africa; dau. of a nurse; was the 1st woman to earn an MD from University of Cape Town; m. David Castle (liberal journalist, died 1967); children: 4 sons.
As head of neurology at University of Cape Town Medical School, forced the South African Medical and Dental Council (SAMDC) to reopen its inquiry into the conduct of two doctors involved in the medical care of Steven Biko following his death while in detention (1977); when the SAMDC refused, successfully took the council to the Supreme Court; retired (1985); wrote of her 30-year relationship with her domestic worker, Mothering in an Apartheid Society (2001). Awarded the Star of Africa by Nelson Mandela (1999).