Not only did she dedicate her life to the struggle against apartheid, even within the liberation movement she spoke out when she saw abuse, policies and practices she felt were unjust and unjustifiable.
Ruth spoke out against the invasion by the Soviet Union of Hungary and Czechoslovakia in 1956 and 1968, respectively, even though the South African Communist Party held a different position at the time. Ruth paid the ultimate sacrifice, not only for her beliefs but because of her voice.