Parliament, Sunday 21 October 2018; The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by Speaker of the National Assembly, (NA), Ms Baleka Mbeka and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, (NCOP), Ms Thandi Modise, join the nation as we pay homage to a remarkable leader, Mrs Albertina Sisulu, who would have turned 100 years old today.
Affectionately known as MaSisulu, she embodied tenacity, fortitude, resilience, strength and became a beacon of hope during the darkest periods of oppression under the apartheid government.
Born Nontsikelelo Albertina Thethiwe in Camama village, in the Tsomo district of the Transkei, on 21 October 1918, MaSisulu was a phenomenal leader, who despite being orphaned at a young age, became one of the distinguished torch bearers against apartheid, a forthright voice against injustice and a rock upon which her family and many struggle activists leaned.
For her brave and relentless confrontation of the cruel and unjust system, MaSisulu suffered unimaginable pain and vengeful persecution at the hands of the apartheid machinery.
However, despite banning orders, police persecution, imprisonment, torture, detention, imprisonment and exile of her children and the incarceration of her husband, uTata Walter for nearly 3 decades, MaSisulu remained resolute and unwavering in her commitment towards the struggle for freedom.
We salute MaSisulu, a fearless champion for human rights and dignity, whose selfless contribution paved the way for the liberties now embedded in our Constitution.
As part of the generation of MPs in the first democratic Parliament, MaSisulu ushered in a democratic social order, placing Parliament at the centre of the advancement of the principles of non-racialism, non-sexism and constitutional democracy. As Parliament, we dare not waver or tire in our pursuit of the ideals and principles for which MaSisulu fought to ensure a truly united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa.
As such, in recognition and celebration of the centenary of both MaSisulu and former President, Mr Nelson Mandela, Parliament dedicated 2018 to celebrating their life and legacy under the theme “Making Your Future Work Better, Learning from Madiba and MaSisulu”
A wide range of activities and messages aimed at galvanizing South Africans around the progressive and noble values, principles and ideals she espoused have been rolled out throughout the year both locally and internationally.
On behalf of Parliament we send our heartfelt gratitude to the Thethiwe and Sisulu family for having shared your daughter, mother and grandmother with South Africa. We commit ourselves to ensuring MaSisulu’s legacy and values permeate through us all.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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