Schwarz was a long-time political opposition leader against South African apartheid.

• After fleeing Nazi Germany as a child in 1934, Schwarz was able to join the South African Air Force to fight in World War II.

• Following his return from service, he co-founded the Torch Commando, a movement for South African veterans who protested apartheid.

• He eventually served as South African Ambassador to the United States during the transition to majority rule from apartheid.