Pretoria - Tributes are pouring in for one of the leading icons of the anti-apartheid movement, Albertina Sisulu, who passed away last night.
The ANC stalwart and widow of Walter Sisulu, a friend and mentor of former South African President Nelson Mandela, died at her Linden home at the age of 92.
It is understood that she slumped while watching the news on television. Paramedics were called in, but it was too late.
Tributes are coming in from all corners of the country, honoring Sisulu as the mother of the nation, and a pillar who dedicated her life to bringing about peace and equal rights.
President Jacob Zuma said MaSisulu has over the decades been a pillar of strength not only for the Sisulu family, but also the entire liberation movement as she reared, counselled, nursed and educated most of the leaders and founders of the democratic South Africa.
"While we mourn her loss, we must thank her most profoundly for the selfless service to all South Africans and humanity at large, for her generosity of spirit and for teaching the nation humility, respect for human dignity and compassion for the weak, the poor and the downtrodden," said Zuma.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation described her as a "stalwart in our freedom struggle and in the early years of our new democracy and a pillar of strength for the Sisulu family when her husband Walter was in jail, she served as an example of selflessness and service."
In 2003, at the opening of the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre, Mandela said: "She [Albertina] deserves so much credit for the quality of a life of service that Walter led. Her own sacrifice and service deserve as much of our respect and recognition."
Mandela said she was, quite simply "wise and wonderful."
Statements of condolences from other political parties have the similar thread, that South Africa has lost a treasure. Social networking sites Twitter and Facebook were also flooded with messages of condolences and support for the family.
Several prominent ANC members and government ministers visited the house on Thursday night to pay their respects to the woman who fought apartheid and stood by her husband. Amongst those who came to extend their condolences was another ANC struggle icon Ahmed Kathrada and ANC National Chairperson Baleka Mbete.
The Sisulu house is abuzz this morning, with the top brass from political parties visiting the home.
A matriarch and nurse by profession, Mama Sisulu was one of the foremost mothers of the nation and the last of the colossuses of the struggle for the liberation of South Africa, who campaigned against apartheid and for the rights of women and children.
She was a leader of the United Democratic Front, a key anti-apartheid coalition in the 1980s that brought together religious, labor and community development groups. She was also a leader in the ANC and the ANC women's wing.
While her husband spent 20 years in jail for treason, she raised not only five of her own children but adopted her deceased sister-in-law's children. During this time, she faced 17 years of continuous bans, including 10 years of house arrest.
Her children include Lindiwe Sisulu, who is the South African Defence Minister, son Max Sisulu, who is the Speaker of the National Assembly, and daughter Beryl Sisulu - South Africa's ambassador to Norway.
After democracy, MaSisulu served in Parliament, taking a seat after the first democratic elections in 1994 and serving four years.
President Zuma added that South Africa remains eternally grateful and indebted to this stalwart of the liberation and leader of all races of our people.
Her last public appearance was on the eve of the local government elections when she cast her special vote. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
