Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane has expressed deep shock and disbelief at the death of struggle stalwart Albertina Nonsikelelo Sisulu.
“I would like to send sincere condolences to my family, the Sisulu family. It is a sad day for all of us that she is no more. However, I am grateful that I was brought up by this icon.
“She was a strong believer in the leadership of women. She believed in the collective. She showed the way in terms of how people need to behave in the struggle,” said Mokonyane.
Ma Sisulu, as she was affectionately known, died on Thursday in Johannesburg at the age of 92.
Sisulu dedicate all her life to the struggle against apartheid. She opposed Bantu Education and ran schools in her own home.
She took part in some of the iconic moments including the launch of the Freedom Charter in 1955. She was also one of the leaders in the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria against the apartheid pass laws.
"Ma Sisulu was my mentor, she made us value ourselves. She taught us how to be decent and look presentable and to never go to bed an angry person," added Mokonyane.
Mokonyane said Ma Sisulu remained a humble leader regardless of many ups and downs in her political and personal life.
In 1983 she was elected as the co-president of the United Democratic Movement.
After her husband Walter Sisulu’s death in 2003, she continued to champion the cause of the vulnerable, including children affected by HIV and Aids and those with special needs.
Sisulu is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
Enquiries:
Dumisani Zulu
Cell: 082 602 3532
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
