The African National Congress (ANC) has learned with shock and sadness about the passing of its veteran and stalwart, Ntate Isaac Mogase. Ntate Mogase passed on yesterday, 27 April 2021 in hospital.
The late stalwart served in many structures of the mass democratic movement during the struggle against apartheid. He was subjected to state harrassnent and arrests by the apartheid regine. However, he never wavered nor surrendered in the face of the callous brutality meted out by the regime. He remained firm in his convictions and commitment to continue fighting for freedom.
Ntate Mogase also assisted young people who went underground at a time when it was extremely dangerous to do so.
He was part of the Soweto Civic Association and lived a large part of his life as a strong arm of the people. He was also involved in a prisoners’ committee with different leaders of the ANC.
Comrade Ntate Mogase played a role in the Alexandra Bus Boycott in the 1950s. He also led the rent boycott in the 1980s and was a patron of COSAS.
He will be remembered for the selfless assistance he gave to many people followiIng a tragic fatal accident that happened in 1975 involving a Mc Phail coal truck which collided with a Putco truck. The accident resulted in many injuries and loss of many lives. The late comrade Mogase assisted many families to bury loved ones and those recovering in hospital at the time.
All of this is testimony to the fact that Comrade Ntate Mogase was always a leader who was committed to be grounded with the people. He remained steadfast in his agenda of remaining close to the community and being responsive to their plight.
He served as the first mayor of Johannesburg in a democratic South Africa. He was also Chief Whip of the ANC in the National Assembly during former President Thabo Mbeki’s term.
He also assisted in the formation of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which was created to cater to students who could not afford to get a tertiary education.
As an ANC leader, he understood that being a senior leader did not mean occupying a position. He remained an active member of the movement until his last day. He had lived a gallant life and played his part in securing and shaping the democracy and freedom that we enjoy today.
The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Mogase family, friends and the broader democratic movement. We wish them strength and fortitude during this difficult time
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
