Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu, affectionately known as Ma Sisulu, passed away in her home on the 2 June 2011 at the age of 92.
Today, as South Africans celebrate her life, we remember the contributions she has made to South African freedom from oppression and to the establishment of democracy.
A qualified nurse, Ma Sisulu was born on the 21 October 1918. In 1944 she married former ANC President Walter Sisulu, with former President Nelson Mandela as Best Man.
Ma Sisulu is most famous for being an Anti-Apartheid struggle icon. She endured imprisonment, banning and exile as a result of her involvement in the struggle. Most notably, she was involved in the African National Congress’ Freedom Charter and she was amongst the 20 000 women who marched on the Union Buildings in 1956 in opposition to the then government’s pass laws.
Today, not only are her children prominent leaders in a free South Africa, but she is also considered a mother to the nation. Since her passing, tributes have poured in from across the world but it is South Africans’ who are greatly feeling the loss, and most importantly, pride and gratitude for the longest serving ANC member, Ma Sisulu.
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