The African National Congress (ANC) dips its revolutionary banner in honour of its veteran and stalwart, Mama Thembi Nobadula. Her passing represents the end of a revolutionary life that was dedicated to the liberation of the people of South Africa.
Mama Thembi was active in the African National Congress (ANC) throughout the 1950s. She was one of the key organisers and leaders of the historic Women’s March in 1956, when about
20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of the Pass Laws to women.
In 1962, she went to London to help in building and establishing the ANC in exile. Over the next decades, she would become a central figure in the activities of the ANC and Anti-Apartheid Movement (AAM).
Mama Thembi never wavered nor faltered in her commitment to the struggle against apartheid. Her steadfast dedication to the creation of a free and democratic South Africa was an inspiration to all activists who came into contact with her.
The people of our country will treasure her memory as one of our most distinguished daughters who consciously chose to fight a cruel and inhumane system at a time when it was extremely dangerous to do so.
In memory of Mama Thembi and in carrying forward the legacy she leaves behind, we must recommit ourselves to the unity and renewal of our movement, and to address all challenges that confront our nation.
The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to her family, the entire democratic movement and all freedom-loving people of the world. We wish them strength and fortitude in this moment of grief.
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
