Johannesburg -
ANC stalwart Epainette Mbeki, the mother of former president Thabo Mbeki, was a rare and unique individual who had a heartfelt concern for the poor, downtrodden and rejected, the National Union of Mineworkers said on Sunday.
She devoted her life to her community and her spirit will live on as an inspiration to all, NUM acting spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu said in a statement.
“There is no doubt that her community has been inspired by her absolute commitment to the poor and the strength of her love and humanity.
“MaMbeki was an activist, loyal, selfless, committed, dedicated, indefatigable and a humble servant of the people and communities she served,” said Mammburu.
She died in the Life St Dominic's Hospital in Eastern Cape at the age of 98 on Saturday morning.
She was suffering from a heart problem and chest infection and had been in hospital since May 25.
Her funeral was scheduled to take place at the family home in Ngcingwane, Idutywa, Eastern Cape on Saturday.
NUM sent its condolences to the Mbeki family. - Sapa