The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape joins the people of South Africa and the Province in mourning the death of Dr Siyolo Solombela .
Dr Siyolo Solombela is amongst those self-less South Africans, who have experienced minimal joy in their lives, due to their decision not to surrender until this country and its people were free from racist oppression.
In 1984 he opened a private practice in his hometown of Butterworth where he also served as District Surgeon and medical officer at Butterworth Hospital until 1989 .
While in Butterworth, Dr Solombela became part of a program facilitating scholarships for students, combining this with recruitment for underground political work. He also started an advice centre that assisted people with legal and other social problems, working with a team of available lawyers .This project helped facilitate the reception of recently released stalwarts such the late Walter Sisulu, ,Govan Mbeki, Wilton Mkwayi and Raymond Mhlaba.
Between 1979 and 1984 while practising as a doctor at Ngqeleni he participated in ANC underground work as an MK operative ,assisting with recruitment and transportation of MK as well as managing finances for MK operatives in the Mthatha area .Their unit was responsible for the bombing of Mthatha petrol depot. He was arrested under suspicion for these activities and was detained twice without trial in 1985 and 1986.
Dr Solombela has always been a part of that tireless pursuit of meaningful change, and the improvement of the quality of life of all, especially the poorest of the poor.Today we are called upon not just to mourn his passing, but to celebrate a life that has unreservedly been dedicated to serving this country and its people.
Comrade Solombela touched our lives in his various capacities, as a comrade, a dedicated medical doctor, a distinguished servant of the people and a humanitarian.We have lost a spirited and consummate activist and a pioneer health professional who championed the rights of the poor.
To the Solombela family,Doc has not died, but he has joined the immortal living in the land of the departed. Ours is to make sure that we carry forward his struggle towards achieving the noble goals of the Freedom Charter as encapsulated in the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
To Sisi Pinky Solombela,our hearts go out to you and family during this difficult period.
Death shall not be proud!
Akwehlanga lungehlanga!
Lalani ngenxeba.
Aphumle ngoxolo u Radebe, Mthimkhulu,Bhungane ,Mashwabada,Ngele ngele.
Issued by:
ANC EC Communications
Enquiries:
ANC EC Media & Liaison Officer
Judy Mpetsheni
Mobile No: 0636878267/0731176194
Email:judy.ngoloyi@gmail.com
ANC EC Communications Manager
Gift Ngqondi
0848439706/0849519924
