The African National Congress Women’s League mourns the passing of our fallen soldier and revolutionary, Comrade Smally Maqungo; we are filled with powerful emotions whilst nostalgically about the countless ways in which she has impacted the course of individual lives, families, and the struggle.
She has been a colossus in the struggle for the liberation of Africans in particular and black people in general from political and economic bondage.
She has been a juggernaut and a constant feature in the struggle for women emancipation as manifested by triple oppression that women face. Her political consciousness was flamed at an early age
when she was one of two young recruits to join the SASM in 1975 from KwaZakhele High School. Boldness, courage, leadership and determination were clearly imbedded in her DNA as a youth activist.
In her revolutionary journey and fight for social justice in our land, she was arrested in Kroonstad alongside Thandi Modise for her political activism. The constant harassment from the apartheid
machinery never deterred her from her revolutionary work and pursuit of freedom in our lifetime. There is no challenge to the fact that she was not only courageous, but she also stood by her convictions and
principles.
Comrade Smally represented the women’s league in Amsterdam at the Malibongwe conference where she was responsible for highlighting the plight of women in the African context. She made invaluable
contributions in seeking solutions in relation to the development and advancement of women at an international level.
She has been the gold standard for all women’s league members in our region and province. Therefore, it is not surprising that in 2019 during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) she was acknowledged by President Cyril Ramaphosa as one of the distinguished guests.
As we mourn and celebrate the life of Mama Smally, let us stand united now more than ever before towards the renewal of our glorious organization in our region. Comrade Smally would have wanted this!
Che Guevara stated this, “Whenever death may surprise us, let it be welcome if our battle cry has even reached one receptive ear and another hand reaches out to take up arms”.
We will keep the fires burning and the flag flying high. Our ears have heard and we will pick up the spear and continue with the struggle. The women’s league would like to thank her family for sharing her
revolutionary soul with the nation.
Issued by:
African National Congress WL
Nelson Mandela Region
Convenor : Nolubabalo Putuma -Sifali
Coordinator : Nontombi Nama
Comradely Yours
ANCWL Coordinator
Nontombi Nama
Mobile: 082 784 0390
