The African National Congress (ANC) has temporarily suspended its three-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to pay respects at the funeral of the late Member of Parliament (MP) and NEC member, Violet Siwela.
Siwela, 68, passed away more than a week ago after a brief hospital stay. The cause of her death was attributed to complications related to peptic ulcer disease and the development of a gastrointestinal tumor.
ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Chairperson Gwede Mantashe are among the dignitaries attending the funeral in Mpumalanga. Mashatile delivered a eulogy, praising Siwela’s dedicated service as a public servant and highlighting her contributions to advancing women’s rights within the ANC.
“Comrade Siwela served well and left a lasting legacy of furthering women’s rights and interests within the ANC. Her shining personality would shine through as a mindful sister and loyal comrade. Comrade Siwela was a dedicated activist who served the people of South Africa with great determination,” said Mashatile.
He acknowledged that Siwela’s passing is a setback for the ANC’s election campaign in the lead-up to the highly contested polls.
“As we approach the end of this lap of the sixth democratic administration, we believe that her spirit will always be with us. Even though it hurts, we are encouraged to finish well and maintain the legacy of the revolution and struggle she fought until the end.”
The ANC’s NEC meeting is expected to resume after the funeral proceedings, addressing crucial matters ahead of the upcoming elections. Siwela’s death is mourned not only as a loss to the ANC but as a departure of a committed advocate for social justice and women’s empowerment in South Africa.