In 1961 the PP wins its first seat in Parliament with Helen Suzman. At a time when speaking out against apartheid came with harsh penalties, Suzman wages a single-handed campaign against every piece of apartheid legislation put before Parliament.
She fights against detention without trial, pass laws, influx control, job reservation on the grounds of colour, racially separated amenities, Group Areas, and forced removals. She demands trade union rights for all and fights for better wages and working conditions. She visits prisons and obtains better conditions for prisoners.