By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The heartfelt condolences messages continue to pour in for the bereaved after the passing of the ANC stalwart, Sophie Maine. Maine who was a member of the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) in the North West died on Wednesday after a short illness.
The ANC Interim Provincial Committee spokesperson, Kenny Morolong said MaSoph as Maine was affectionately known belonged to a generation of outstanding revolutionaries whose lives were committed to the destruction of the evil system of apartheid. Morolong added that MaSoph’s generation created a free, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa.
“MaSoph played a critical role in mobilizing women in the then Western Transvaal behind the banner of ANC. She distinguished herself through her service to the movement, serving in many capacities including as the first Branch Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in Ipelegeng, Schweizer Reneke in 1990, and Regional Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the Western Transvaal.
“She has also served as Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the North West. Following the democratic breakthrough in 1994, MaSoph was deployed to represent the ANC as one of its first Members of Parliament and served two terms in the National Assembly,” he said.
Morolong further said the ANC in the North West has lost a matriarch, a disciplinarian, and embodiment of the true values of the movement. He said MaSoph was selfless and disciplined.
“The ANC IPC will remember MaSoph for her frankness during discussions. She was an unwavering commitment to the work of the movement. She was so dearly loved and cherished.
“So, we will forever be indebted to the selfless dedication of her to the cause of complete liberation of our people. We, the leadership of the ANC in the province, dedicate ourselves to working towards realizing her yearning desire to rebuild the structures of the ANC in the province and fostering unity among our membership,” said Morolong.
He added that the ruling party conveys their heartfelt condolences to MaSophy’s family, relatives, friends, and comrades. Morolong said they owe MaSophy a debt that can never be paid for her contribution to the liberation struggle and in shaping the democracy.
TaungDailyNews 