24 November 2010
The SACP is saddened by the news of the passing away of ANC stalwart uMam` Bertha Gxowa. A freedom fighter of high note, an activist for women rights and a disciplined cadre of our ally the ANC.
For years she has served the liberation movement in several capacities including playing a leading role in the 1956 women`s march on the Union Buildings. uMam Bertha also served as an administrator at the head office of the textile union working with comrades like Gana Magabeni who was a leading member of the SACP at the time. She cut her political teeth in trade union and working class struggle. Despite the harassment from the apartheid regime she remained committed to the noble idea of freedom and self determination of the South African people and the rights of workers to organise and belong to trade unions.
Mam` Bertha was selfless and a dedicated servant of the people. In her honour we must fight hard to restore this values in our movement and defeat the foreign but marginal tendency of self enrichment, corruption and greed at the expense of bettering the lives of our people. In her honour we must change for the better the position of women in society. Women and children must feel safe, free from poverty, hunger, deprivation and want. This is the kind of a just society that uMama struggled for.
The SACP deep its red banner in honour of this heroine of our revolution. We welcome the decision to honour her contribution with an official funeral. To her family and friends, to her comrades in the ANC, the ANC WL, those who were with her in the Federation of South African Women and the Federation of Transvaal Women where she was a leading activist, the SACP sends its deepest condolences.
Akwehlanga lungehlanga! Duduzekani!
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802