Albertina Sisulu 1918-2011: Tributes

South Africans should thank God for Albertina Sisulu, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said on Friday in response to news of her death.

"She truly was a special gift to the nation. We are much poorer without her. There will be an extra bright star in the heavens tonight," Tutu said in a statement.

She epitomised grace and humanity in the worst days of apartheid, said Tutu.

"Her husband was imprisoned for more than 20 years, her children were harassed and detained, and she was herself banned for many, many years.

"But try as they might they could not break her spirit, they could not make her bitter, they could not defeat her love."

Tutu said it was people like Sisulu who had made the new South Africa possible.

"[It is people like Sisulu] who kept the home fires burning, who calmly and resolutely demonstrated by example that we are all members of one family, God's family ­- regardless of adversity or what the National Party said," he said.

Sisulu was a nurse and midwife. She was also a founder of the United Democratic Front and a deputy president of the ANC Women's League. She participated in the anti-pass march to the Union Buildings in 1956 and was part of the launch of the Freedom Charter.

From: Parliament

Albertina Sisulu was an icon in her own right, Parliament said on Friday.

"Mrs Sisulu was a member of our first democratic Parliament, an icon in her own right and a South African who displayed selfless service in our liberation struggle," a statement from Parliament said.

"Her exemplary life will remain an inspiration for us to intensify our efforts to deepen democracy and to create a better life for all our people."

Sisulu, mother of the Speaker of the National Assembly Max Sisulu, died at her home in Linden, Johannesburg, at the age of 92 on Thursday night.

Parliament extended heartfelt condolences to the Sisulu family.

"Hamba kahle Ma-Sisulu."

From: The Mandelas

The Mandelas were indebted to Albertina Sisulu for her role in their family, they said in a statement on Friday.

"She was our mother, our grandmother and someone who gave us support and guidance. We are deeply saddened by her passing," said family spokesman Chief Zwelivelile Mandela.

It was well known that the Sisulus and Mandelas shared a strong bond, not only because of their liberation struggle ties, but because former president Nelson Mandela's first wife Evelyn, and Sisulu's husband Walter, were cousins.

"It is these family ties that saw Mama Sisulu being the primary guardian and caregiver of Evelyn Mandela's children during the long period of Nelson Mandela's incarceration."

Even though Sisulu had been 92, her death at her home in Linden, Johannesburg, on Thursday night, had come as a shock because she had been in good health.

"The death of this legend of our people closes a chapter of a life worthy of celebration," said Zwelivelile Mandela.

"Those of us remaining behind must heed the greatest lesson from her life: namely dedication, sincerity, humility and deep love for people especially the poor. She will be sorely missed by all of us."

From: ANCYL

The African National Congress Youth League bids farewell to Mama Albertina Sisulu, whose life and contribution to the struggle for political, social and economic emancipation of the black majority and Africans in particular should always and forever be celebrated. Mama Albertina Sisulu is a pioneer of women’s involvement and participation in the struggles of the Congress Movement, and did so excellently in the ANC Youth League, Women’s League and the ANC.

Mama Sisulu was the only female delegate at the official launch of the ANC Youth League on the 10th of September 1944, and therefore partook in deliberations that shaped South Africa’s militant, radical and revolutionary youth wing of the ANC. The ANC Youth League has already picked up the spear of a fallen Heroine and will continue with the fight for total political, social and economic emancipation through transfer of wealth from the minority to the majority. On the gender equity front, the ANC Youth League can now proudly say that all our structures are constituted by a minimum of 50% females, and they draw inspiration from Mama Albertina Sisulu.

In bidding farewell to Mama Sisulu, the nation should be aware and proud that that she did not only nurture a caring ANC, but politically nurtured a family of ANC activists whose commitment to the struggle of total emancipation can never be doubted. Mama Sisulu did not lock her children home even under the difficult political conditions of a racist, blood-thirsty, murderous and oppressive apartheid system. She instead said to the family that they should go out there to continue with and intensify the fight against the system, fully aware that the returns of the struggle could be death, prison and isolation from family. This feature of Mama Sisulu should be celebrated, because it is a feature that should inspire all ANC leaders.

The ANC Youth League is proud of the contribution of Mama Albertina Sisulu to the struggle for total political, social and economic emancipation of the black majority and Africans in particular. As a commemoration of her life, we will continue with and intensify the struggles for realisation of all Freedom Charter objectives.

From: Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini

Struggle icon Albertina Sisulu was an inspiration, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said in a tribute on Friday.

"As we celebrate the International Day of Families today, we are inspired by her resilience and values of humility, respect and unity," Dlamini said in a statement.

"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," she said.

Sisulu died at her home in Linden, Johannesburg, at the age of 92, on Thursday.

Dlamini said she had learned of Sisulu's death with shock.

She said Sisulu was "a champion of human rights", who had fought against oppression at a time when South Africans were segregated on the basis of race and gender.

"We mourn the death of a stalwart who stood up to the challenges of her generation," she said.

"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 times such as women and children abuse, substance abuse, HIV and

Aids, poverty and unemployment."

Dlamini said Sisulu was a "heroine" who had fought tirelessly for the birth of a democratic South Africa.

Her death should serve as a reminder that the country's freedoms remained fragile and had to be protected against destructive forces.

Dlamini said the youth had a responsibility to carry Sisulu's baton by defending the country's democracy, just as she had defended the struggle against apartheid.

From: Cosatu

Albertina Sisulu's death marks the passing of a generation of "exceptional leaders" who represented the best values of the ANC and the revolutionary movement and did not put their own interests before those of the people, Cosatu said on Friday.

"There has been no finer role model for succeeding generations," the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) said after Sisulu's death.

"She knew that joining the struggle was inviting arrest, torture and death for her and her family. Yet for the 25 years when her husband Walter was on Robben Island, she never flinched, never displayed any sign of weakness," Cosatu said in a statement

Cosatu said Albertina Sisulu had devoted her life to caring for others and had played a pivotal role in the mobilisation of women into the liberation struggle.

She joined the ANC Women's League in 1948, and went on to become its deputy president and a founder of the Federation of SA Women in 1954.

She participated in the launch of the Freedom Charter and the women's anti-pass march to the Union Buildings in 1956.

She led the United Democratic Front delegation that went overseas on an anti-apartheid mission in the late 1980s and was a founding trustee of the Labour Job Creation Trust set up after the Presidential Jobs Summit in 1998.

She also helped transform the nursing profession and health sector.

"For her, right was right and wrong was wrong. We hope that these values will not die with her, as today we face a new, entirely opposite, culture of individualism and greed," Cosatu said.

"Debates are no longer about issues of principle but angling for position and business opportunities.

"Today's leaders have a lot to learn from the inspirational example of Mama Sisulu and her generation of leaders. She will be greatly missed but certainly never forgotten," it said.

From: Democratic Alliance

Albertina Sisulu symbolised "all that is strong and good" about South Africa, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said.

"She showed extraordinary fortitude, courage and perseverance in the most difficult times," said Zille.

"She raised her family as a single parent while her husband was in prison. She was unwavering in her [commitment] to justice for all and the values that she lived are now embedded in our constitution."

The best tribute to her sacrifices was to sustain and defend democracy.

From: Twitter by Sanelisiwe Maliza

Social media users are mourning the passing of the struggle hero and mother of the nation Albertina Sisulu, who died on Thursday night at her home in Linden, Johannesburg.

South Africans were melancholic throughout the night and into Friday morning as they took to Twitter and Facebook to honour Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu and send their condolences to the Sisulu family.

Poet and television personality Lebo Mashile tweeted: “Mama Albertina Sisulu's soul is resting probably for the first time since she was in the womb. God bless her family and her legacy. #RIPGogo.”

This morning Jacob Zuma tweeted through his profile @SAPresident: “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.”

5fm DJ Nicole da Silva said “R.I.P Albertina Sisulu, 92. A strong woman who played a big part in making our country what it is today.”

Some tweeted their favourite Albertina Sisulu quotes; Social commentator @Sentletse tweeted "When my children went to jail, I felt that the (oppressors) were breaking me at the knees - Albertina Sisulu #RIP.”

Blogger @Khaya Dlanga “If people don't know what they are fighting for its useless. Albertina Sisulu.”

Grandson Shaka Sisulu also took to twitter to comment on the passing of Albertina Sisulu “This evening marked the passing of Gogo Sisulu. We are all deeply saddened by our loss. But glad she will be with the love of her life again.”

From: The SA Security Forces Union

The SA Security Forces Union paid tribute to Albertina Sisulu as a "revolutionary in her own right", in a statement on Friday.

"Mama Sisulu was not just a spouse to a great revolutionary, but she was a revolutionary in her own right and we are very grateful to be enjoying the freedom that she has sacrificed for," said Sasfu president Bhekinkosi Mvovo.

Sisulu was the widow of former ANC president Walter, who died in 2003.

The two were actively involved in the ANC's push to dismantle the apartheid administration.

As a nurse and midwife, she was also a former deputy president of the ANC Women's League.

Mvovo said the family should not weep, but celebrate the revolutionary life "well-lived" by her.

From: African Christian Democratic Party

African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe would remember Albertina Sisulu for her kindness and dignity, he said in a statement on Friday.

"Mama Sisulu was a great woman, an excellent example as a mother and leader, who was very kind to all people she came across.

"She had a warm smile that made even strangers feel at home. In spite of the harassment at the hands of security police she remained kind, forgiving and loving. She showed all victims of apartheid how to remain calm, composed and dignified at all times."

The ACDP would cherish her memory and sent condolences to her family.

From: United Democratic Movement

United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa called Albertina Sisulu a "shining light in the struggle for liberation", in a tribute to her on Friday.

"We are eternally indebted to her for her monumental contribution to the freedom and democracy we now enjoy," Holomisa said.

Holomisa extended condolences to her family, and to the ANC.

Sisulu was a former deputy president of the ANC Women's League. Her husband Walter Sisulu, who died in 2003, was a president of the party.

She was also a founder member of the United Democratic Front, an anti-apartheid movement that worked towards the downfall of apartheid while the ANC was banned.

Holomisa was a member of the ANC before breaking away to form the UDM.

Holomisa said: "... We must hold tight to the teachings and memories of her unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

"Through mama Sisulu, the nation had the privilege of witnessing hard work, discipline and leadership par excellence."

From: Valli Moosa

An emotional Valli Moosa left the Johannesburg home of ANC stalwart Albertina Sisulu.

Moosa, the former minister of tourism, said it was with great sadness that he heard about Sisulu's death on Thursday night.

Sisulu, 92, died on Thursday night while watching television at her home in Linden.

Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane also visited the house to pay her respects to the Sisulu family on Friday.

"Ma Sisulu was my mentor, she made us value ourselves. She taught us how to be decent and look presentable and to never go to bed an angry person," she said in a statement issued ahead of her arrival.

Sisulu was a strong believer in the leadership of women.

"She believed in the collective. She showed the way in terms of how people need to behave in the struggle," said Mokonyane.

Sisulu had opposed "Bantu education" and ran schools in her own home. She took part in the launch of the Freedom Charter and participated in the 1956 women's march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest over the apartheid laws.

She remained a humble leader regardless of many ups and downs in her political and personal life, said Mokonyane.

After the death of her husband Walter, former president of the ANC, in 2003, she continued to champion the cause of the vulnerable, including children affected by HIV and Aids and those with special needs.

Funeral arrangements would be communicated later.

Mokonyane was accompanied by Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane.

A family friend Nosizwe Nokwe arrived at the house on Friday morning.

Nokwe said her family had three generations of friendship with the Sisulus.

"I was shocked to hear of her death because she was in good health.

"She was always spritely and full of life... she was one in very many," Nokwe said.

From: The Independent Democrats

Independent Democrats Parliamentary leader Joe Mcgluwa believed Albertina Sisulu's descendants would keep the Sisulu legacy alive after her death.

"The Sisulu family have made great strides and played a significant role in South Africa's history, and have become a landmark in South African politics," Mcgluwa said in a statement on Friday.

Mcgulwa sent condolences to the family, especially Sisulu's son and Speaker of Parliament Max Sisulu, and her daughter Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu.

"The late Mrs Sisulu has raised humble, respectable children who will undoubtedly keep the Sisulu legacy alive," Mcgluwa said.

From: National Union of Mineworkers

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said it appreciated Albertina's selflessness and would miss her.

"The National Union of Mineworkers dips its flag in honour of the struggle veteran MaSisulu and appreciates the role she played and the selflessness she displayed in our society. She will be sadly missed," said spokesman Lesiba Seshoka.

The NUM sent condolences to her family, the ANC and "the entire South African nation".

"And may the many citizens of our wonderful country walk in her footsteps and selflessly contribute towards progress in our society," it said.

From: The Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa) expressed gratitude for Albertina Sisulu's contribution to nursing and midwifery in South Africa, in a tribute on Friday.

"Ma Sisulu, who practised as a nurse, midwife for more than 40 years, remains a benchmark of what nursing, leadership and motherhood should be," Denosa president Dorothy Matebeni said in a statement.

"We are grateful for her humility, dedication, caring, these being some of the qualities that have embodied her life," she said.

Sisulu played a massive role in the unification and transformation of nursing in South Africa, and was instrumental in the formation of Denosa.

"She steered the ship in the right direction in a consultative conference in 1992 that led to formation of Denosa," said Matebeni.

At the International Council of Nurses congress in Durban in 2009, she was among five nurses recognised by Denosa for their contribution in the nursing profession globally.

"The entire leadership of Denosa and the nursing fraternity sends its heartfelt condolences to the Sisulu family, the ANC and friends. We are with them during these trying times," said Matebeni.

From: The Nelson Mandela Foundation

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said South Africa had lost a treasure with the death of Albertina Sisulu.

"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," the foundation said in a statement on Friday morning.

"As Nelson Mandela said in 2003 at the opening of the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre, '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'."

In Parliament on May 9 1994, it was Albertina Sisulu who nominated Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela as president of a democratic South Africa.

He was then unanimously elected by Members of Parliament.

"She was, as Mr Mandela said, quite simply 'wise and wonderful'," the foundation said.

From: Deputy Public Service Minister Ayanda Dlodlo

Albertina Sisulu was an enormous source of support and comfort to Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) soldiers, Deputy Public Service Minister Ayanda Dlodlo said on Friday.

He was speaking outside Sisulu's home in Linden, Johannesburg, where the stalwart died while watching television on Thursday night.

"It's really sad for us as MK," said Dlodlo, who is also the general secretary general of the MK Military Veterans' Association.

Sisulu gave her life so that others could have freedom and the franchise, he said. She had lived for her husband and her family and service to others.

"She will be remembered as a role model and she will be a role model for generations to come."

From: President Jacob Zuma

President Jacob Zuma paid tribute to ANC stalwart Albertina Sisulu on Friday after her death at her home in Linden, Johannesburg, at the age of 92.

"A matriarch and a 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," Zuma said in a statement.

He said Sisulu had, 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."

Zuma said that as a former president of the United Democratic Front and together with her husband Walter Sisulu, a former ANC president who died at the age of 90 in 2003, Albertina Sisulu dedicated her adult life to the struggle for liberation in South Africa.

The Sisulus spent most of their lives as ambassadors and leaders of the African National Congress, but in the process endured decades of banishment, detention, humiliation and exile.

Zuma said South Africa remained eternally grateful and indebted to Albertina Sisulu, a stalwart of the liberation.

"On behalf of government and the people of South Africa, we would like to convey our deepest condolences to the Sisulu family and thank them profusely for dedicating their daughter, mother and grandmother to the service of humanity," Zuma said.

From: The African National Congress

The death of struggle veteran Albertina Sisulu has left the ANC in shock, disbelief, and devastated at the loss of a mother, says ruling party spokesman Jackson Mthembu.

"If she was sick, we would have expected it. Even though she was 92, she was still up and about, her death has taken us by surprise," Mthembu said on Friday morning.

"We are devastated that an icon and veteran of the ANC has passed on. When it was difficult to be loved by your own parents during the struggle, because they didn't understand it, she was there to give us wonderful political guidance and motherly love."

He said the ANC remained indebted to Sisulu and her leadership when the ANC was banned, and its leaders imprisoned or in exile.

"Mama Sisulu as an icon and a leader of the United Democratic Movement gave leadership when it was unfashionable to lead.

"We owe so much of the freedom we enjoy today to people like her. We owe democracy to the likes of Mama Sisulu. We will miss her."

Mthembu said government would be working with the family to prepare for Sisulu's funeral. The funeral announcement would be made in due course, he said.

A planning committee would also be tasked at organising a memorial service.

Sisulu died suddenly at her Linden home in Johannesburg on Thursday evening.

One of her sons, Mlungisi, reportedly said: "Mama was sitting in a chair watching the news as they prepared supper. And you know, all of a sudden she slumped to one side... Paramedics were called.

"In the house she was with two of her grandchildren... and the ladies who keep the house."

Another of her children, Beryl, who is South Africa's ambassador to Norway, said: "I think I'm still in shock because I was talking to my sister who was in the same room with her and she said she was fine, and the next 20 minutes you hear that she passed away."

From: Former President Thabo Mbeki

Former president Thabo Mbeki on Friday described the death of struggle stalwart Albertina Sisulu as a "personal loss".

"She brought us up... it is a personal loss and a loss to the country," he told journalists outside Sisulu's Linden, Johannesburg home on Friday evening.

President Jacob Zuma arrived at the home late on Friday along with other dignitaries, family and friends ahead of a prayer meeting at 6pm.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe was among those gathered to mourn Sisulu, as was the party's treasurer general Mathews Phosa and members of its national executive committee.

The family surprised the public and media by allowing them to enter, pay respects and drop off flowers and cards. Earlier, they provided snacks and refreshments for the crowd outside.

Singing could be heard from a marquee set up in the front garden of the home.