Parliament Pays Tribute to Late Struggle Icon and Former Member of Parliament (MP), Mama Rita Ndzanga – African Business

The National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa -Nqakula and the National Council of Provinces Chairperson NCOP, Mr Amos Masondo are the Presiding Officials of Parliament. We are deeply saddened at the passing of Mrs Rita Alice Ndzanga, an ex-MP and struggle icon.

Mama Ndzanga was an anti-apartheid struggle activist, fierce unionist, and played a key role in organizing and forming labour movements to resist apartheid violence at the workplace in 1950s. She was an unflinching fighter for our liberation and a key legislator in our democratic, post-apartheid Parliament.

Mrs Ndzanga was part of the first generation to set an example for future legislators. She was a Member of the first to third democratic Parliaments. She played a key role in the establishment of oversight mechanisms, public participation and law-making systems. With her calm, unassuming demeanour and profound intellectual depth, Mrs Ndzanga brought passion, care and humanity to her role as a people’s representative. She was an example of unrivalled integrity, love and selflessness that contributed to the freedom and prosperity of her people.

Like other brave, fearless political activists of her era, she was subject to persecution under the apartheid regime. She was harassed and detained several times. She was detained and imprisoned with Winnie Madikizela Mandela and Thoka Mngoma and Martha Dlamini.

We salute her lifetime contributions to the struggle of freedom of women and workers, as well as her tireless pursuit for a free, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. In 2004 while she was serving as a member of the National Assembly, former President Thabo Mugabe awarded her the Order of Luthuli in recognition of her contribution in achieving freedom, nation-building, justice, and peace.

Parliament’s Presiding Officers salute Mama Ndzanga for her determined advancement of the cause of social justice and liberation, particularly her relentless struggle against the ruthless apartheid government’s oppression and harassment.

She will be remembered fondly by Parliament for her sterling service to the cause of political freedom.

We send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family, friends, and political home, the African National Congress, as well as the nation. May her soul rest in peace.

Distributed by APO Group, Republic of South Africa: Parliament.