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Executive Mayor pays tribute to Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu

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Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Zanoxolo Wayile today paid tribute to Mama Albertina Sisulu and said a Special Memorial Service in Nelson Mandela Bay for her will be a fitting occasion as our residents join the nation to say farewell to an icon.

“On behalf of the Council of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, all municipal officials and residents, I wish to pay tribute to the late Albertina Sisulu. A ripe 92 years old, the Mother of the Nation slipped away quietly, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and occupying a unique place in South African history.

“She was an enduring beacon of hope and resistance during the tumultuous struggle years, both as activist and wife of the late and great African National Congress President, Walter Sisulu,” Mayor Wayile said.

Mama Sisulu, who died on June 2 aged 92, was born Nontsikelelo on October 21, 1918 in the Transkei. She trained as a nurse at a hospital in Johannesburg and joined the ANC Women’s League in 1948. In 1954 she joined the Federation of South African Women and in 1983 she was elected president of the United Democratic Front’s Transvaal region.

Between 1964 and 1982 she was the subject of several banning orders and in 1984 she was was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for furthering the aims of the ANC.

Ma Sisulu was a legend in her own lifetime. She joined the ANC Women’s League in the 1940s and became a member of the executive of the Federation of South African Women in 1954. In 1956, she joined 20 000 women in the historic March to the Union Buildings in protest against the apartheid government’s requirement that women carry passbooks as part of the pass laws.

“Mama Sisulu has carved out a unique place for herself in South African history. Her life was one of dedication, service and great sacrifice, followed by triumph and joy at the emergence of a free and just South Africa,” Mayor Wayile said.

Details of the Special Memorial Service are as follows:

  • Date: Thursday, 9 June,
  • Venue: Nangoza Jebe Hall,
  • Time: 17:00 (5pm)
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NMB Communications

Media Communications at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Communications Department is responsible for communicating pertinent Municipal news from Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch. Municipality Contact Details. See more articles by NMB Communication's.