Martin Endjala
President Hage Geingob has extended his heartfelt condolences to the African National Congress on the death of its Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte yesterday morning.
Geingob described the late Duarte as a courageous freedom fighter who committed her life service both to the ANC and South Africa.
“During this difficult hour of grief, I express on behalf of the Namibian government and on the rank and file of the Swapo party, our sincere condolences to the family of comrade Duarte, ANC and to the fraternal people of South Africa,” Geingob expressed.
According to the ANC statement issued yesterday morning the late Duarte has been on medical leave since November 2021 undergoing cancer treatment.
The ANC expressed that the death of the late Duarte is saddening both to the organization and her
family. She is however, described as a tower of strength to the ANC as well as a matriarch to her family.
“The passing on of comrade Jessie is a great loss, not only to her family, but to the democratic
movement and country as a whole. As a committed internationalist and diplomat, not only will she be mourned in South Africa, but by colleagues and comrades on the African continent and the international progressive movement,’’ the statement reads.
Duarte is remembered for her entire life dedication to a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous and a just South Africa.
She has been a committed gender activist, who relentlessly championed emancipation and empowerment for all women.
Her life and work is reflected in her consistent commitment in advancing the rights of both poor and
marginalized communities.
She served as the ANC Deputy SG since 2012 and a member of the National Executive Committee since 2002.
She was born 19 September 1953 and is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.
According to the Muslim rites, late Duarte was buried on the same day of her passing in the afternoon in Johannesburg.
