The African National Congress (ANC) is set to hold a memorial service for one of its most beloved struggle stalwarts, Gertrude Shope. The service will be held on the 12th of June at the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto, Johannesburg. This event is a tribute to the life and legacy of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the fight against apartheid and the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa.
Gertrude Shope, fondly known as “Aunt Gertie”, was a fearless and tireless activist who played a pivotal role in the liberation movement. She was a member of the ANC Women’s League and served as its president from 1981 to 1983. She was also a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee and served as a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 2004.
Aunt Gertie was born on the 13th of June 1933 in Vereeniging, Gauteng. She grew up in a politically conscious family and was exposed to the injustices of apartheid from a young age. This fueled her passion for the struggle and she became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement in the 1950s.
Throughout her life, Aunt Gertie remained committed to the ideals of the ANC and worked tirelessly to bring about a free and democratic South Africa. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and played a significant role in the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in 1956. She also played a key role in the formation of the Federation of South African Women, which was instrumental in mobilizing women to join the struggle.
Aunt Gertie was a true leader and inspiration to many. She was known for her unwavering courage, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. She faced numerous arrests, detentions, and harassment by the apartheid government, but she never wavered in her commitment to the struggle.
Her contributions to the liberation movement were recognized and celebrated both nationally and internationally. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Luthuli in Silver, the highest honor bestowed by the South African government for her outstanding contribution to the struggle for democracy.
The ANC memorial service for Aunt Gertie is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the fight for freedom and justice. It is an opportunity for us to honor her memory and celebrate her legacy. The service will be attended by ANC leaders, government officials, members of the public, and family and friends of Aunt Gertie.
The ANC has called on all South Africans to join in this commemoration and pay their respects to Aunt Gertie. The service will be a celebration of her life and a reminder of the sacrifices made by her and many others in the struggle for a free and democratic South Africa. It is also a time to reflect on the progress we have made as a nation and the work that still needs to be done to achieve the vision of a united, non-racial, and prosperous country.
As we remember Aunt Gertie, let us be inspired by her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to the struggle. Let us continue to work towards building a better South Africa, one that she and many others fought so hard for. Let us honor her memory by striving for a society that is free from all forms of oppression and inequality.
In conclusion, the ANC memorial service for Aunt Gertie is a celebration of a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Let us come together to pay our respects and honor this remarkable woman who will forever be remembered as a true hero of the struggle.
