Struggle hero birthday compliments
THE ANC wished Struggle stalwart Sophie de Bruyn well on her 80th birthday
“A freedom fighter, comrade Sophie de Bruyn was born on this day in 1938 and went on to serve in various positions in the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. A shop steward who excellently represented and articulated the grievances of the workers in the textile industry, she became the founder member of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (Sactu), predecessor of Cosatu, the organisation said.
“At the forefront of the Cope which crafted and adopted the Freedom Charter in 1955, Mama Sophie de Bruyn went on to lead the 1956 Women’s March against the oppressive apartheid government.
“A selfless leader, Mama Sophie de Bruyn continues to selflessly serve the ANC and the people of South Africa with diligence and utmost commitment, having recently served as a member of the Electoral Commission to the 54th National Conference of the ANC. She also serves as a member of the ANC Integrity Commission.
“As the ANC, we continue to draw wisdom and courage from leaders of Mama Sophie de Bruyn’s calibre as we pursue the agenda of radical socio-economic transformation.
“We wish her a joyous birthday and many more years of a healthy life,” the statement said. – Staff Reporter