The Mpumalanga ANC has paid homage to the party’s former deputy secretary, Jessie Duarte, who passed away on Sunday following a long illness that had forced her out of the game for some time now.
This ANC’s veteran and anti-apartheid activist, who had been a political activist since her teenage years, was hailed as a caring, selfless and disciplined cadre of the organisation.
The ANC’s provincial secretary, Muzi Chirwa, said, “We received the news on the passing of Cadre Duarte with shock and sadness. We would like to mention the fact that the ANC is poorer with her departure, a caring and disciplined cadre of our movement.
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“With her razor-sharp understanding of the political dynamics, she was a voice of reason in the country’s political landscape. Throughout her involvement in the national liberation struggle, Duarte played a pivotal role in ushering in the freedom and democracy that we are enjoying today. She was a revolutionary par excellence who believed in the total emancipation of women from all forms of oppression and subjugation,” said Chirwa.
The ANC has since then declared a week-long mourning period in honour or her contribution and spirit. “She was widely known as a robust debater with incredible political skills that she utilised in the articulation of ANC policies across the length and breadth of the country and internationally. “We wish to express our most heartfelt and sincerest condolences to the family, friends, comrades and colleagues of this towering giant who had dedicated her entire life to the struggle for a better life for all the people of this country. We bow our heads in honour of this giant of our glorious movement,” said Chirwa.
