Johannesburg -The funeral service for the of late ANC veteran, Bertha Gxowa, has begun at the Huntersfield stadium in Ekurhuleni.
Mourners started arriving as early as 7:30 am. Her body arrived at the stadium at 8 am for a special official funeral where President Jacob Zuma will deliver an oration.
The coffin was wrapped in an ANC flag, while large portraits of Gxowa were displayed at the front of the stage.
Among those who have gathered to pay their last respects is Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, Ministers of Defence Lindiwe Sisulu, Social Development Bathabile Dlamini, Basic Education Angie Motshekga, Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile, Deputy Minister for Public Works Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu and parliamentarian Butana Komphela, to name but a few.
The streets leading to the stadium were closed and access was strictly limited, with only accredited people allowed entry.
Gxowa, 76, who died from complications after an operation, was one of the organisers of the historic women's anti-pass march in Pretoria in 1956.
Mourners described her as a staunch trade unionist, freedom fighter and a strong advocate for women's rights and emancipation throughout her life.
The priest conducting the service said Gxowa was not an ordinary old lady because her active nature, enthusiasm and passion for women, has contributed greatly to women empowerment, not only in her community but the country as a whole.
