Albertina Sisulu

Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu, born on 21 October 1918, was a South African anti-apartheid activist, and the widow of fellow activist and former ANC president Walter Sisulu (1912-2003). She was affectionately known as Ma Sisulu throughout her lifetime by the South African public. In 2004 she was voted 57th in the SABC3's Great South Africans. She died on 2 June 2011 in her home in Linden, Johannesburg, South Africa, aged 92.

The Sisulus, Walter a lawyer and Albertina a nurse, married in 1944 at a ceremony in which Mandela was the best man. The couple had five children and adopted four others.

Although Ma Sisulu had no interest in the political struggle when she got married, it wasn't long before she was fighting at her husband's side, working to bring apartheid to an end and see in a new democratic government. Like him, and many others, she endured imprisonment, banning and exile.

She was instrumental in the 1955 launch of the Freedom Charter, and took part in the historic march on the Union Buildings, the seat of South Africa's government, by 20 000 women in 1956 in protest against the oppressive pass laws.

She became national co-president of the liberal United Democratic Front at its inception in 1983. Later she joined the ANC Women's League and was elected deputy president, and in 1994 she became a member of Parliament before retiring in 1998.

Several of the Sisulu children have themselves become leaders in the democratic South Africa. Max Sisulu is the speaker in the National Assembly; Beryl Sisulu is South Africa's ambassador in Norway; Lindiwe Sisulu is the minister of defence; Zwelakhe Sisulu is a prominent businessman; and daughter-in-law Elinor Sisulu, married to Max, is a well-known author and human rights activist.

President Jacob Zuma honoured the late activist - the longest-serving ANC member - saying that she was one of the mothers of the nation and had inspired the liberation movement.

"She reared, counselled, nursed and educated most of the leaders and founders of the democratic South Africa," said Zuma.

"While we mourn her loss, we must thank her most profoundly for the selfless service to all South Africans and humanity at large, for her generosity of spirit and for teaching the nation humility, respect for human dignity and compassion for the weak, the poor and the downtrodden."

On behalf of South Africa's government and citizens, Zuma sent his condolences to the family.

ANC spokesperson Brian Sokutu said: "She fought to improve the lives of our people and she served the country with distinction. We pay tribute to this selfless leader and mother of the movement."

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Page Created: 7 June 2011