Johannesburg -
The ANC in Gauteng has sent condolences to the family and friends of Caroline Motsoaledi, wife of Rivonia trialist Elias, who died in hospital on Tuesday.
“Mama Motsoaledi played a key role in the struggle in the 60's to ensure freedom and democracy in South Africa,” the provincial African National Congress said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Mama Motsoaledi was a gift to the ANC and has always dedicated all her life working for the ANC. Even in difficult times, she never had second thoughts about working for the movement.”
The ANC said it mourned the “untimely death” of Motsoaledi.
The party sent its deepest condolences to the family, cadres, relatives, and friends of Motsoaledi.
She had six children with her husband Elias Motsoaledi, who was one of the Rivonia Trialists and was sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island.
“She was a humble servant of the people and made many sacrifices for social justice. She fought for equality, women's rights, and the total transformation of South African society,” the party said.
“During the incarceration of her husband, she played a supportive role in the family and anchored many revolutionary activist of the ANC and SACP. She led the struggle with humour, commitment, and integrity.”
Motsoaledi was an ANC member who worked closely with other stalwarts including Albertina Sisulu and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
The ANC said her strength, discipline, bravery and selflessness would be missed and saluted her as a “great freedom fighter”.
“She was a community educator and revolutionary leader of the people.”
The provincial leadership were expected to visit the family on Wednesday afternoon.
The Rivonia Trial was a trial that took place between 1963 and 1964, in which 10 leaders of the ANC were tried for 221 acts of sabotage designed to overthrow the apartheid system. - Sapa