Mathebula (70) was one of the African National Congress (ANC) veterans who fought for freedom during the apartheid period. She was born at Christiana in Hammaskraal, where she lived before relocating to Dindela. While staying at Dindela, Mathebula participated more in the ANC underground structures. In 1963, she relocated to Emmangweni section in Tembisa. She served in different ANC structures, which included the labour movement, the ANC, the ANCWL, the veteran’s league, the Thami Mnyele ANC BEC, the Andrew Mapheto ANCVL Zonal committee, the Ekurhuleni Religious Forum and the National Interfaith Council of South Africa (NICSA).
Mathebula was an asset of Tembisa who also served her life in the church of New Assembles Apostolic Church of Christ. During her funeral service, which was held at her home in Emmangweni section, Thami Mnyele, the ANC Branch Secretary, said Mathebula worked hard for the African National Congress.
“The ANC has lost one of its veterans who spent her life fighting for freedom. She fought for our lives and our children to live a better life. She never used her age as an excuse to be absent from her organisational responsibilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ANC Women’s League Provincial Secretary, Mavis Mdlalose, said they are sadden by the sudden passing of their veterans who were buried in two consecutive weekends, including the late Mathebula. She leaves behind her son Joseph, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
