Ma Sobukwe remembered for her resilience and sacrifice
THE MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, would like to take this opportunity to convey her deepest sympathy and condolences to the Sobukwe family on the passing of Ms Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe, wife of the late Professor Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe, founder of the PAC .
Like many of her peers affected by the socio-political impact and planning patterns of the apartheid regime, Ma Sobukwe sacrificed her time, leisure and family in the fight against apartheid. Ma Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe played an indelible role in both the liberation and development of our country and to her and her generation we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. She leaves behind a proud legacy of steadfastness, resilience and selflessness for her exceptional and outstanding contribution and sacrifice to the liberation struggle.
Her legacy is engraved in the minds and societal fibre of our people and our nation which she served tirelessly and passionately.
Her deep understanding of the plight of the poor, and her unwavering desire to play a role in achieving an equal society and eliminating poverty, will be sorely missed by those who have worked with her.
She will be remembered not only for her tireless contribution in the fight against apartheid, but also for her unwavering determination to serve her people and her commitment to the prosperity of our nation. She will be sorely missed. At this hour of great loss, our thoughts are with her family, friends, comrades, the entire PAC family and all those who have been touched by her life.
The Sobukwe family has a strong footprint in the Northern Cape, as Prof Robert Mangiliso Sobukwe and his family with Ma Zondeni Sobukwe were banished to Kimberley in 1969 and restricted to the confirms of Galeshewe by the apartheid government in their attempt to suppress and frustrate him in his drive to fight apartheid and ensure the emancipation of the majority black South Africans. They owned a house in Naledi Street, Galeshewe, as well as a law office at the Mayibuye Precinct, until his death 40 years ago on February 27, 1978.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba will, therefore, be visiting the bereaved Sobukwe family at 11am today in Graaff-Reinet to pay her respects to the family and all those close to Ma Sobukwe.