President Cyril Ramaphosa Pays Tribute to Struggle Icon Frene Ginwala As SA Mourns: “Rest Well, Madame”

• A special memorial service was held in honour of National Assembly’s first democratic speaker Dr Frene Ginwala
• President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a eulogy at the event at the Johannesburg City Hall on Tuesday, 24 January
• During the speech, Ramaphosa highlighted the contributions she made to the country's freedom, peace, and progress

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to National Assembly’s first democratic speaker Dr Frene Ginwala who passed away at the age of 90.

She died two weeks ago after suffering a stroke. Ramaphosa delivered a eulogy at the struggle icon’s memorial service at the Johannesburg City Hall on Tuesday, 24 January.

He highlighted the contributions she made to the freedom, peace, and progress of the country. The president said Ginwala wore many caps during the struggle.

Read also

Mayor Gayton McKenzie says Central Karoo municipality paid Eskom R60m in 6 months: “Here is the proof”

Ramaphosa said she was a journalist, author, academic, barrister and parliamentarian, activist, feminist, pan-Africanist, and internationalist rolled in one. He said despite her many titles no words could adequately describe the person she was, according to the presidency.

“Ginwala will be remembered as a pioneer of women’s rights. At a time when scant attention was given to the many ways in which women were oppressed and exploited, Frene fought for the struggles of women to be recognised,” Ramaphosa said.

During the memorial service, the president recalled the role Ginwala played in setting up the African National Congress’ first office in exile and establishing the base. According to TimesLIVE, he also remembered her as a vital part of the movement for three decades in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, the UK and other parts of the world.

Read also

EFF's Godrich Gardee weighs in on ANC member getting wig snatched, calls for end to gender-based violence

Citizens mourn Frene Ginwala

@BuhleTheFirst said:

“Thank you, Dr Ginwala. May you rest in eternal peace.”

@IWFglobal commented:

“Frene Ginwala was an absolutely inspiring and extraordinary woman. She inspired South Africa and the world with her contributions to the struggle against gender and racial oppression. We honour her lasting impact that will never be forgotten.”

@Molobeduu posted:

“The first democratic speaker. Rest well, Madame.”

@jaxidopheko wrote:

“Rest in Dr Ginwala.”

@RevFChikane added:

Heartfelt condolences to Cde Frene Ginwala's family, friends, the country & the world at large on her passing away. She fought a good fight and finished the race. Ours is to be thankful for her service. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

1st Speaker of parliament Dr Frene Ginwala dies, leaving South Africans mourning: “A giant has fallen”

Briefly News also reported that National Assembly’s first democratic speaker Dr Frene Ginwala died at the age of 90 on Thursday, 12 January.

Read also

DA Mayor Mpho Phalatse faces 3 motions of no confidence for 3rd time leaving SA fed-up: “instability”

The Presidency announced her death in a statement, sending shockwaves throughout the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa was among those who conveyed his condolences to Ginwala’s loved ones.

According to News24, the founding speaker suffered a stroke two weeks ago. The struggle icon died at her home.

Source: Briefly News