‘An important force in resisting apartheid’
RIVONIA triallist Denis Goldberg hailed Struggle stalwart Albertina Sisulu as an important force in resisting apartheid.
He spoke to the Cape Times as the country celebrated what would have been Sisulu’s centenary yesterday, with events held across the country.
Goldberg said: “I am full of admiration for the life of my comrade. Her support of Walter while he was in prison. I have admiration for her staunch support for the Struggle to end apartheid. Under the awful oppression of her family and parents, she was always mobilising to oppose apartheid.”
Goldberg said Sisulu would have been appalled by the racism that still existed in South Africa.
He said alongside her husband, Walter Sisulu, she acted on her ideal of human rights throughout her life.
The government, led by Jeff Radebe, the Minister of Energy and the chairperson of the centenary of both Albertina Sisulu and Nelson Mandela, joined the Sisulu family in commemorating the day yesterday.
The celebrations were concluded with a symbolic walk from MaSisulu’s home to Shanti Family Clinic, where MaSisulu worked for many years with Dr Abu Baker Asvat. A stop was made at Orlando West Children’s Library, which was fully renovated and reopened by the Sisulu family. Speaking in Orlando West, Soweto, where government leaders and Sisulu’s family celebrated Sisulu’s life and legacy, ANC Women’s League president Bathabile Dlamini said Sisulu would be dismayed by the state of affairs within the ANC as she was against division.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, who was among the so-called “Ma Sisulu Girls”, credited her for getting her to join the Struggle.
“We were young girls in our 20s. We were recruited by her into the movement.
“She was an incredible organiser and she had no fear of any challenge. She was the longest banned person in this country, for 18 years, and she was the first person to serve a 90-day detention,” she said.
She was an incredible organiser and she had no fear of any challenge
THE life of Struggle stalwart Albertina Sisulu by any measure was a remarkable one. She took the mantle of leadership to boldly fight against apartheid and was unrelenting in reversing the shackles of oppression on society.
In doing so Mama Sisulu left a distinctive imprint on our nation. She showed us that remaining true to our democratic ideals and selfless service was at the heart of the new society we were building.
In celebrating the centenary of her life under the theme: “Albertina Sisulu: A woman of fortitude”, we remember that throughout her life she passionately cared for her community and went out of her way to better the lives of others.
She was a mother to many in her community who were daily brutalised by the apartheid regime. She became affectionately known as Mama Sisulu as she continued to instil hope and dignity.
As a young nation we would do well to study her legacy so we can follow Mama Sisulu’s teachings.
Our transition from apartheid to democracy did not automatically bring an end to the many social and economic injustices of the past. In fact it was the beginning of a journey that requires us to work together to build a more cohesive society.
Inspired by Mama Sisulu, let us reach out to each other and build greater social cohesion. An area of importance for her would be how we treated each other in our daily lives.
In her name let us transcend class, race and gender and come together as one nation. We are fortunate to be guided by our Constitution on how we can unite and work towards a common goal. It promotes a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, united and prosperous society based on justice, equality, the rule of law and human rights for all.
Given our many pressing challenges some might question the need to mark the life of Mama Sisulu. However, such a view is shortsighted; in honouring her life we are taught valuable lessons about the importance of standing up for what is right and being an active citizen. Her values of fighting for human rights, equality and justice for all has become embedded in our national DNA.
Mama Sisulu’s legacy teaches us that nothing is impossible when we remain true to our ideals. Our ideals and values as a nation are now more important than ever, and like countless others of Mama Sisulu’s generation, we will have to remain steadfast in the face of what may appear to be overwhelming obstacles to triumph.
Our remembrance of Mama Sisulu teaches us that she was resolute in the emancipation of women across our nation. She, along with other pioneering women, marched to the Union Buildings in 1956. Their brave actions are undeniable proof that even the greatest tyranny can be defeated when we stand together.
Her legacy emboldens us to end the scourge of violence that many women face today. Let us endeavour to create a society with zero tolerance for violence against women and children; where people will speak out in one voice against women and children abuse and will fight any form of exclusion or marginalisation of women.
Drawing on the inspiration of MaSisulu, the government will launch #WomenOfFortitude, a movement of 100 women, to drive the conversation of how women today can continue the legacy of Mama Sisulu. We invite women all over the world to become #WomenOfFortitude and change the world by leading as women. Women who inspire positive change, display strength of character, resilience, courage and bravery are encouraged to be part of the movement.
We owe Mama Sisulu a great debt of gratitude for boldly putting up her hand in service to our people. Join the conversation on #MaSisulu100, #AWomanOfFortitude and #WomenOfFortitude on social media.