Zuko Komisa
South Africa mourns the passing of Mme Gertrude Shope, a revered struggle icon whose life was a testament to the nation’s fight for freedom and justice.
Parliament’s Presiding Officers expressed profound sadness at the loss of a woman described as principled, pioneering, and a fearless voice for justice.
Following the historic democratic elections in 1994, Ma-Shope, as she was affectionately known, became a pivotal member of the first democratic Parliament. In this transformative role, she was instrumental in reshaping Parliament from a symbol of oppression into a truly representative institution.
Her efforts helped lay the groundwork for a democratic legislature rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and constitutional values, contributing significantly to laws and institutions founded on human dignity, equality, and justice for all South Africans.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA MOURNS PASSING OF MA GERTRUDE NTITI SHOPE
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) May 23, 2025
President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed his profound sadness at the passing of educator, freedom fighter, trade unionist and former Member of Parliament Ma Gertrude Shope, who has passed away at the age of 99.
🔗… pic.twitter.com/QeWMe8SLyV
From the early days of resistance against the brutal apartheid regime, Ma-Shope stood on the frontlines.
She was among the first women to mobilize against injustice, actively participating in protest marches and galvanizing communities against the atrocities committed by the oppressive minority government.
As a founding member of the Federation of South African Women and a leading figure in the African National Congress Women’s League, Ma-Shope emerged as a torchbearer for women’s resistance. She defied systemic injustice with unwavering grace and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.
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