The African National Congress ( ANC) in the Eastern Cape mourns the passing away of Dr Trudy Thomas , a dedicated, loyal cadre of the African National Congress, a health activist, who passed away at the age of 82 years on Sunday, 10th June 2018 after a long illness .
Not only has Comrade Thomas distinguished herself as a disciplined cadre of the ANC, she served our movement with distinction in various capacities where she was deployed.She put the interests of the ANC and the people of South Africa, in particular our Province above anything else, having served as an MEC of Health from 1994- 1999.
She got involved with the human rights organisation, the Black Sash, and also struck up a solid relationship with the black consciousness leader Steve Biko and his immediate family and associates in the late 70’s .
In her own right,she fought with distinction the apartheid regime for all of us to achieve the freedoms we now enjoy. We will also remember her as a stalwart of our congress movement, a fearless fighter who sacrificed her well-being and forsook her privileged white status, in terms of the then apartheid racial design of the South African society, to join hands and lead the struggle for the emancipation of black people.
Dr Thomas took up the fight against HIV and AIDS and set up structures to assist and support AIDS orphans after her tenure ended in 1999.
We pay homage to this gallant fighter and will forever treasure the contribution she made in the struggle for liberation and the building of our democracy.
The ANC extends its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues as we mourn this servant of the people.
May her soul rest in peace knowing that many will pick up her spear and continue with the struggle in changing their lives of our people .
Issued by:
Office of the Provincial Secretary- Cde Lulama Ngcukayitobi
Enquiries:
ANC Media & Liaison Officer
Judy Mpetsheni
Mobile No: 0636878267/0731176194
ANC Communications Manager
Gift Ngqondi
Mobile No:0848439706/0849519924
