ANC mourns heroes’ deaths
THE ANC in the Eastern Cape announced the deaths yesterday of two of its stalwarts, Mamu Stofile and Vuyo Kwinana, both of whom died after long illnesses.
Mamu Mirriam Stofile was the mother of former Eastern Cape premier, Makhenkesi Stofile.
“The ANC in the Eastern Cape sends its heartfelt condolences to the Stofile family following the passing away of Mirriam Stofile at the age of 97,” ANC spokeswoman Judy Mpetsheni said.
“We will forever be indebted to Mamu Stofile for shaping and raising former Eastern Cape premier, minister of sport and rugby administrator the Rev Makhenkesi Stofile and Bra Mike, who became fearless voices for the poor and uncompromising advocates for the emancipation of the African majority. She was the generation of people who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Mamu Stofile was harassed by the police and couldn’t lead a normal life and her children were involved in politics since their youth.”
ANC Eastern Cape communications manager Gift Ngqondi said the organisation in the Nelson Mandela Bay region was mourning a “stalwart, veteran of our movement, Tata Vuyo Kwinana”.
“He was a longtime servant of the struggle and the founding member of the veteran’s league.
“He was responsible also for the formation of trade unions and served in positions in most alliance structures.
“We celebrate the life of a hero with a brave heart. Tata Vuyo spent time on Robben Island as a political prisoner with the likes of Themba Dyasi, among others. We remember his frank and raw talk when dealing with matters of our people.
“He was a straight talker.
“Tata Kwinana would, in an animated manner and in high-pitched voice, tell stories how they endured and fought the white government of the past.
“He would be lost in thought as he remembered the many times they survived torture and humiliation at the hands of wardens in the cells.
“The ANC takes this opportunity to send its condolences to the family, comrades and the people of the country in general and the metro in particular,” Ngqondi said.