Statement

The ANC Veterans League is saddened by the passing away of a true veteran of our struggle, 99-year-old Ma Getrude Shope, who served the struggle for freedom in many different capacities over her long life.

We will remember her in particular for her pioneering contribution to raising women’s issues within the movement. From being a branch member of the Federation of South African Women (Fedsaw) in Central Jabavu, Soweto, in 1968 to being elected president of the ANC Women’s League in 1991, she has never faltered in raising women’s issues.

While in exile, she started the ANC publication Voice of the Women together with Ma Florence Mophosho, the head of the ANC’s Women’s Section. She also campaigned for the equal representation of women in positions of political power—now an entrenched position in the ANC, both within ANC structures and in legislatures and councils where we lead.

She was also active in building international solidarity for the struggle against apartheid, exposing apartheid atrocities and mobilising the international community to isolate the racist regime. She represented the ANC in Lusaka and Nigeria.

Ma Shope remained faithful to the ANC’s values and traditions and was one of the 101 signatories who opposed the activities of former President Zuma’s administration about ten years ago.

To continue Ma Shope’s legacy, the struggle for women’s full emancipation must be intensified. The campaign for equal representation, employment equality and against gender-based violence should be complemented by addressing gender stereotyping, patriarchy and the ongoing burden of unpaid care work undertaken predominantly by women.

This campaign is essential both within the ANC and in society. To attract new and younger members, we should consider well-organised childcare at our meetings and conferences so that women members can participate fully without concern for the well-being of their children. In society, it can be difficult to meet the Employment Equity Act targets unless the child care needs of mothers are met through proper ECD and other facilities, arranged by employers and the government.

As we dip our revolutionary flag in honour of Ma Shope, the Veterans League resolves to recommit to working for women’s full emancipation.

Ends//

For comment contact
Cde Snuki Zikalala,
ANC VL President
Tel: 082 561 3900