Pretoria - Late anti-apartheid activist and the wife of fellow activist Walter Sisulu, Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu was described as a unifying leader and mother of the nation by her grandchildren ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD).
As the country will on Thursday be commemorating International Women’s Day, deputy minister of Arts and Culture Maggie Sotyu led a build up commemoration event where they honoured Albertina Sisulu who would have turned 100 this year.
Her granddaughter Ntsiki Sisulu said: “She was a mother to all of us, she served beyond her dedication to her profession as a nurse. Having raised five siblings from the age of 15 she took the task to the very end. She lived and actually outlived all her siblings and not only did she raise them, but she buried them all."
“In the meantime she made sure she had five of her own children, raised all nieces and nephews and in the midst she raised us a grand and great
children. She was indeed more than just our grandmother but our mother too.
“She displayed great courage and determination and a unifying leader in her community,” Ntsiki said.
The event was attended by elderly women from different communities around Gauteng, government officials, artist Esther Mahlangu among others.
In some countries, IWD has been declared a national holiday. South Africa has also celebrated it over the years especially post 1994.
The day gives is an opportunity for citizens of the world to conduct introspection with regards to women’s accomplishments and challenges.