Kentridge, Morris

KENTRIDGE, Morris. Died 1964. Parliamentarian and Attorney. Born Lithuania 3rd February, 1881, son of Rev. W. Kantrovich. Educated in Sunderland, England, and St. Andrews University, Scotland. Came to South Africa in 1902 to join his father, who had meanwhile become Minister of the Vryheid Hebrew Congregation. Served articles in Law in Vryheid and qualified as an Attorney. Moved to Durban, where he played an active part in the Durban Jewish community and Durban civic affairs. Became a leading member of the Labour Party. Elected Member of the Natal Provincial Council in 1914, and Member of Parliament for Durban Central later that year. Moved to Johannesburg 1917; elected to City Council and became Chairman of Finance Committee. Elected Member of Parliament for Fordsburg in 1920, and for Troyeville 1924; re-elected M.P. for Troyeville in every subsequent election until he retired from Parliament in 1958. Left Labour Party in 1932 to join General Smuts in the South African Party; followed Smuts into Fusion and the United Party; became leading U.P. front-bencher; contributed significantly to framing progressive industrial legislation. Became leading Jewish spokesman in Parliament, opposing Quota Bill in 1930, as well as subsequent restrictions on Jewish immigration; took leading part in fight against anti-Semitic agitation during Hitler years. Played important role in the Zionist Movement here and overseas; was elected Vice-President of S.A. Zionist Federation. Championed workers' cause in Rand Strike of 1922 and other labour upheavals. Was a leading South African representative at overseas parliamentary conferences. Married May Schafner, 1921; three sons. Author of many pamphlets on labour policy in South Africa, and a book of memoirs, "I Recall" (1959).