The “extraordinary” efforts of Jewish heroes of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa have been honoured by three African countries.

Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia have issued three sets of special commemorative stamps to mark the contribution of figures including Helen Suzman, Eli Weinberg and Ronald Segal.

The creators said they had come up with the stamps because “in the anti-apartheid South African liberation struggle, it was estimated that Jews were over-represented by 2,500 per cent.

“This stamp issue acknowledges the extraordinary sacrifices made by Jews to the liberation of their African brethren, and these stamps recognise some of the most significant contributors to global humanity in the 20th century."

Ms Suzman, who died two years ago, fought apartheid as an opposition MP. Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, she was famous for deeds including visiting Nelson Mandela when he was imprisoned on Robben Island.

Other activists depicted on the stamps included Hymie Barsel, who was charged with treason and imprisoned, and Norma Kitson, who was a key figure in the Johannesburg underground printing press.

The stamps are available to buy on the website www.cyberstamps.com