A staunch activist who was a true champion of the poor

IT IS with deep sadness that the Inkatha Freedom Party announces the unexpected passing of our former MP and member of the IFP’s national council Inka Mars.

Mars passed away peacefully early on Wednesday, having been admitted to hospital with a lung complaint.

We have extended our condolences to the family through her son, Maurice Mars, and will await details of her funeral service so that a proper tribute can be paid to this remarkable servant of South Africa.

I met Mars in the 1970s when she was working for the South African Red Cross in Zululand.

Her concern for the struggling people of our region was profoundly encouraging.

Through her work, countless families were assisted, both through the devastation of natural disasters such as drought and the daily hardships poverty and oppression.

We developed a lasting friendship.

Her husband Dr Paul Ernst Mars became our family doctor.

For years it was he who treated my own and my family’s ailments.

It was wonderful to have that relationship of trust and friendship with Dr and Mrs Mars.

When I founded Inkatha ye Nkululeko ye Sizwe in 1975, she became an active member.

Mars was a staunch activist for liberation and democracy.

Her dynamic nature, that enabled her to get things done under any circumstances, was a tremendous asset to our struggle.

When we began constitutional negotiations in the 1990s, Mars was among our leaders who represented the IFP.

Her political acumen was matched by her tenacious courage. I always felt confident she would serve our country well.

Thus, in 1994, Mars became an IFP Member of Parliament.

She served in this position for 15 years, experiencing the intricacies of governance as well as opposition politics.

Her deep care for struggling South Africans remained a constant feature of her work. She was a true champion of the poor. I am grateful to Mars for her loyalty to the IFP over so many years.

Today, I mourn the loss of a dear friend, and the passing of a servant of our people.

May Inka Mars rest in peace. Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP IFP president