President Zuma mourns the sad passing of Sister Bernard Ncube
01 September 2012
President Jacob Zuma today mourns the sad passing of renowned veteran freedom fighter and former ANC Member of Parliament and former mayor of the West Rand Metropolitan Coouncil, Sister Bernard Ncube.
Born in Johannesburg in 1932, she was an unconventional Roman Catholic Church nun who dedicated her life to the struggle for freedom, equality, justice, human rights and democracy.
"She also distinguished herself in the struggle for women and children's rights in a remarkable manner culminating in her presidency of the Federation of Transvaal Women”, said President Zuma.
Sister Ncube suffered dearly for her convictions, being detained six times under emergency regulations, including once when she spent three months in solitary confinement in 1986. When her cause came to international attention, she was freed but was rearrested with a number of other people, charged with sedition and subversion.
"South Africa has lost a compassionate human being who was fearless and never relented in her convictions. Her legacy of courage and strong belief in human rights and freedom must inspire all of us to follow in her footsteps and make South Africa the beacon of freedom, democracy, hope and prosperity that she wanted it to be. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and comrades," said President Zuma.
Enquiries: Zanele Mngadi on 082 330 1148 / zanelemngadi01@gmail.com, or Bongani Majola at bongani.majola@vodamail.co.za.
Issued by: Mac Maharaj on 079 879 3203 or macmaharaj@mweb.co.za / mediaenquiries@po.gov.za.
The Presidency
Pretoria
