Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane extends condolences on the occasion of the passing on of former Minister of health and MP of the African National Congress, Hon. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang.

Pretoria - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mme Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, today on 17 December 2009, would like to extend her condolences to the family of comrade Manto Tshabalala-Msimang on the occasion of her passing on.

Comrade Tshabalala-Msimang was a revolutionary leader who immensely contributed to the struggle for freedom in South Africa and in the early years of the formation of the Government of National Unity. She led women’s struggles for emancipation, gender equality and freedom for all - nationally and internationally.

In her acceptance speech as the African Union (AU) Goodwill Ambassador and Champion for the Improvement of Maternal and Child Health in Africa Beyond 2015 on 7 May this year, Minister in the Presidency Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said, “The issue of gender equality in Africa as it relates to the status of women and their decision making power in relation to their health is critical. It is therefore interlinked with improvement of the quality of life of the women and their sharing of the burden of health care in the family. The AU Heads of State and Government made a commitment which we all need to revisit and implement.”

At the time of her death, she was a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC), ANC Member of Parliament and ANC Women’s League (ANCWL).

We dip our revolutionary banners in memory of this gallant fighter for freedom and peace.

May her soul rest in peace.

For further information contact the Ministerial Spokesperson, Malusi Mogale, on 082 675 0380

Department of International Reactions and Cooperation (DIRCO)
Pretoria
South Africa

17 December 2009