Struggle stalwart dies at age 89

Rita Ndzanga was one of the 20 000 women who marched to the union building in 1956. She and Sophie de Bruyn visited the grave sites of Helen Joseph and Lilian Ngoyi at Avalon cemetery in Soweto and that of Rahima Moosa and Albertina Sisulu in Bosmont for Women’s Day. Ndzanga has slipped away and joined the ranks of the ancestors. Picture: Timothy Bernard African News Agency (ANA)

Rita Ndzanga was one of the 20 000 women who marched to the union building in 1956. She and Sophie de Bruyn visited the grave sites of Helen Joseph and Lilian Ngoyi at Avalon cemetery in Soweto and that of Rahima Moosa and Albertina Sisulu in Bosmont for Women’s Day. Ndzanga has slipped away and joined the ranks of the ancestors. Picture: Timothy Bernard African News Agency (ANA)

Published Aug 18, 2022

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The ANC is mourning the death of anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist “Mom” Rita Alice Ndzanga.

She passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 89 in Johannesburg.

Ndzinga was born in 1933 in Ventersdorp in the North West.

On May 12, 1969, Ndzanga and her husband Lawrence, were detained under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act. She remained in prison for six months.

In 1984, Ndzanga was elected as part of of the inaugural leadership of the Federation of Transvaal Women alongside other women of fortitude, such as Sister Bernard Ncube, Albertina Sisulu, Francis Baard and Miniben Sita as active patrons, with Helen Joseph and Winnie Mandela as non-active patrons.

Ndzanga also served South Africa as a law maker in the National Assembly for three consecutive terms and was awarded the order of Luthuli by President Thabo Mbeki in 2004.

Ndzanga’s resolute conviction in the cause of justice and liberation, and her determined struggle in the face of State persecution and harassment, stands out as an example of triumph of the human spirit over the forces of suffering, cruelty and oppression.

ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe said her indomitable spirit was a reflection of the innate and most human yearning to be free.

“She remains an embodiment of our highest ideals and inspiration to all South Africans. We lower our revolutionary banners in honour of Ndzanga and convey our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and comrades. Her fight for liberation of our people will never go unnoticed, for as long as live Ndzanga’s spirit shall live on. Hamba Kahle Mbokodo!” Mabe said.

A few days before Women’s Day, Ndzanga and Sophie de Bruyn visited the grave sites of fallen Lilian Ngoyi and Helen Joseph in Soweto, and Rahima Moosa and Albert Ina Sisulu in Bosmont Cemetery.

“We extend our utmost condolences to the family, friends and comrades of anti-apartheid veteran Ndzanga. On August 7 she attended and spoke at an event by the Kathrada Foundation,” said Kathrada Foundation on their Twitter page.

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Timothy Bernard/ANA from Naviga

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