ANC deputy secretary-general Jesse Duarte has died.
In a statement released this morning, 17 July, the ANC said it had sadly learnt about the death of its leader and sent condolences to her family, extended family, friends and loved ones.
Duarte (68) had been on medical leave since November last year.
At the time, she had assumed the duties of being secretary-general following the suspension of Ace Magashule.
The ANC announced that she will buried this afternoon in Joburg in accordance with the Muslim rites.
Duarte is survived by her children, grandchildren and siblings.
“She was both a tower of strength to the organisation, as well as a matriarch and pillar of her family.
“The passing of Comrade Jessie is a great loss, not only to the family, but to the democratic movement and the
country as a whole,” the party said.
The party described her as a committed internationalist and former diplomat, saying she would not only be mourned by South Africa, but by colleagues and comrades on the African continent and in the international progressive movement.
“She dedicated her entire life to the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous and just
South Africa.
“As a committed gender activist, she relentlessly championed the emancipation and empowerment of women,” said the party. – Daily Sun
