She was and still is an inspiration to an entire community and on August 30 the memory of Mme Alinah Moekoena was honoured as Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) unveiled a tombstone in celebration of the struggle hero who was relentless in her fight against the Apartheid regime.
While also fighting the establishment in her own way Mokoena joined thousands of women on 9 August 1956 in the famous Women’s March to the Union Buildings and was subsequently known as “Anti-Pass” by both the communities of Magogogweni (currently Rensburg) and Ratanda.
After hearing about the march over the radio, she took it upon herself to go from house to house to mobilise women to join the historical march to the Union Buildings. She was described as a strong and prominent leader of the African National Congress who operated underground.
“Her house was frequently visited by the South African Police Force, where it was searched and nothing would be found,” LLM explained in a statement.
“She worked as a domestic worker in Heidelberg for the Van der Burgh and Jonck families.
According to her great granddaughter Lulu Tsubele who stayed with her until she passed on, she always told them that her employers used to encourage her to challenge the SAP for harassment.”
Loved and respected by the youth
Anti-Pass was also a traditional healer in her community and she specialised in healing infants. With a life dedicated to improving that of the young and fragile, her family remembers her last words: “the day I die, I will be buried by all these children I have healed” (Mrs. Alinah Junior Mokoena).
During her funeral on June 7 1985 – which was indeed attended by comrades most of whom were youths – her final wishes were fulfilled and her coffin was carried from her home to the church and then to the the Ratanda Cemetery.
The funeral was organised by the Ratanda Civic Association, Ratanda Youth Congress and the community in the midst of the State of Emergency. Anti-Pass’ maiden surname is Phalime.
She later married Konomayibe Hendrik Mokoena and the couple were were blessed with three children; Daniel Geelbooi Mokoena, Annah Mamphalele Mokoena and Petros Mokoena.
During the commemoration of her life, both LLM’s executive mayor (Lerato Maloka) and the Sedibeng District Municipality,mayor (Busi Modisakeng) as well as many other dignitaries paid tribute to the women who fought so bravely for the freedom all enjoy today.
The proceedings was also part of Lesedi Local Municipality and Gauteng Provincial Government’s commitment to honour and pay homage to all the unsung heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
*Photo Gallery provided by Lesedi Local Municipality.
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