President Jacob Zuma has conveyed his condolences to the family of former Intelligence Minister, Ronnie Kasrils, whose wife Eleanor died at the weekend after suffering a stroke.
Eleanor Kasrils was born in 1936 and joined the Congress of Democrats in 1960 after the Sharpeville massacre. She was a tireless fighter for justice and freedom and participated in the struggle against apartheid, including active involvement in Umkhonto we Sizwe. She was arrested in 1963 and went into exile with Ronnie Kasrils in the same year after escaping from custody.
The couple lived in exile for nearly 30 years. During this time Eleanor worked with ANC President Oliver Tambo. She later became a geologist and technician and worked in London for the Inner London Education Authority. The couple returned to South Africa in 1992 and again Eleanor continued her revolutionary work towards the 1994 democratic breakthrough and beyond.
Eleanor leaves behind her husband, two sons, Andrew and Christopher, a daughter Bridgette and her two grandchildren.
"We pray for the family to remain strong during this difficult time. Eleanor joins the galaxy of South African heroes and heroines who have departed. We are proud of the role she has played in the evolution of our democratic society. Yet another spear has fallen, let us pick it up and run with it in manner that would make Eleanor proud," said President Zuma.
Details of a memorial service would be made known towards the end of this week.
For enquiries please contact:
Vincent Magwenya
Cell: 072 715 0024
Issued by: The Presidency
10 November 2009
