Pretoria - Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini has described the late Albertina Sisulu as a champion of human rights, who fought against oppression at a time when the majority of South Africans were segregated on the basis of race and gender.
Dlamini joined the rest of South Africans paying tribute to Sisulu, who died last night at her home at the age of 92.
"We mourn the death of a stalwart who stood up to the challenges of her generation, that on its own is a rich legacy she leaves behind for all South Africans to stand up in unity against the current challenges of our time, such as women and children abuse, substance abuse, HIV and Aids, poverty and unemployment," Dlamini said.
She added that as the world celebrates the International Day of Families today, they are inspired by Sisulu's resilience and values of humility, respect and unity.
"These are the values from which all South Africans should learn in an effort to build a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa," said the minister.
She further noted that as a heroine who fought tirelessly for the birth of a democratic South Africa, Sisulu's death should serve as a reminder that the freedoms South Africans enjoy today remain a fragile entity that needs to be protected against destructive forces.
"Our generation, especially the youth, have a responsibility to carry the baton by defending our democracy, just as uMama Sisulu defended the course of the struggle against apartheid," said Dlamini.
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has also sent its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late Mama Sisulu.
The commission described Sisulu as a true legend of our society and a gender icon.
"Mama Sisulu was also a true heroine of our struggle, who despite having gone through trials and tribulations continued to fight for our freedom, even though many thought she will slow down and enjoy the fruits of her labour, she soldiered on by involving herself in various charity organisations.
"It is through heroines like her that today we have CGE, which has to ensure that whatever she fought for should not be in vain. As the commission, we mourn and henceforth celebrate the life well spent .. indeed, her passing away will surely be missed across the globe," the commission said in a statement.
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) noted that South Africa, a nation that has come from a history filled with huge loss and challenges, has come thus far due to the efforts and contributions of people like Sisulu.
"She was a health professional, a nurse who demonstrated that even as health professionals, we had a duty towards the freedom of the people. I personally interacted with Mrs. Sisulu in the 80s, where I was privileged to attend a workshop with her. She was warm, welcoming and humble. She is an icon from our years of the liberation struggle and will forever be respected and remembered ... may her soul rest in peace," said SAMA Chairman Dr Norman Mabasa.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet saluted MaSisulu for having shown her mantle as the mother of the nation by playing a commanding role through the African National Congress Women's League, Federation of South African Women and the United Democratic Front when most leaders were imprisoned or exiled.
She said her passing is an indication that the sun has set on the stalwarts of our liberation struggle who in the 1950s and 60s put up a commendable war of resistance against the domineering apartheid st,ate.
"She and her generation were patriots without limits who sacrificed everything, putting themselves in harm's way to ensure that all the people of South Africa get to experience the benefits of a democratic state rooted in a culture of human rights," said Kiviet.
The premier hoped that elected leaders would honor her memory by remaining humble and putting the interest of the people first, specifically the downtrodden, adding that this is what she would have wanted for the country.
