By Zuko Komisa
The ANC’s deputy secretary general, Jessie Duarte (68) died on Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer.
#RIPJessieDuarte | South Africa mourns the passing of struggle stalwart, veteran anti-apartheid activist and ANC deputy secretary general Ms Yasmin “Jessie” Duarte. Ms Duarte was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique between 1999 and 2003. pic.twitter.com/n7uwzTAswH
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 17, 2022
Jacob Zuma, a former leader of the ANC, sent Jessie Duarte this message two days ago wishing her a swift recovery.
Two days ago former ANC President #JacobZuma sent this message to #JessieDuarte wishing her a speedy recovery. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/y24EUOPf8P
— #LordOfTheMedia (@samkelemaseko) July 17, 2022
In a statement, the ANC stated that the party was informed of Duarte’s passing early on Sunday morning.
“The ANC expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Duarte, Dangor and Whitley extended families, loved ones and friends.”
“She was both a tower of strength to the organisation as well as a matriarch and pillar of her family. Comrade Jesse was undergoing cancer treatment and had been on medical leave since November,” said ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe.
Duarte has been a lifelong member of the ANC; she had served as deputy secretary general since 2012 and had been a member of the national executive committee since 2002.
The ANC said Duarte will be buried Sunday afternoon in Johannesburg according to Muslim rites.
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