The Congress of the People has learned with regret of the passing of Albertina Sisulu at the age of 92.

Albertina Sisulu was one of the truly great icons of the National Democratic Revolution. Her activism was rooted in empathy for the people, as evidenced by her chosen profession of nursing. Her activism spanned most of her adult life. In 1955 she took part in the anti-pass march on the Union Buildings, and after being arrested, was famously acquitted of all charges, her lawyer being Nelson Mandela.

This did not stop the security forces of the state from targeting Sisulu, but she remained resolute in her struggle for justice against the apartheid regime. She survived numerous incarcerations, intimidation by security forces and her family being separated by the duties of the liberation struggle. Albertina Sisulu was the living embodiment of "you strike a woman, you strike a rock!"

Even after her "retirement", she remained active in the struggle, becoming co-president of the United Democratic Front. Albertina Sisulu was instrumental in forcing international pressure on the apartheid regime, leading a UDF delegation overseas.

In 1994, she became a member of Parliament in the first democratic Parliament of South Africa.

Albertina Sisulu's life story is the narrative of the struggle for equality. South Africa is a poorer place for the loss of one of the true South African greats.

The Congress of the People joins with her family, friends, comrades and colleagues in mourning her loss to the people of South Africa, while acknowledging her invaluable contribution to the liberation of South Africa.

Statement issued by COPE Head of Communications - Phillip Dexter, June 2 2011

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