ANC Statement on the passing of Nadine Gordimer

14 July 2014

The African National Congress has learnt with sadness of the passing away of Nadine Gordimer at the age of (90) on Sunday. Nadine Gordimer was a South African writer, political activist within the ranks of the Congress movement, and a worthy recipient of the 1991 Nobel Prize for Literature amongst her many other accolades.

Gordimer began writing at the age of nine; with her first short story published at the age of fifteen. Her first novel (The Lying Days) based on her life was published in 1953. Nadine has been awarded with no less than fifteen honorary degrees from universities world wide.

Gordimer was a founding member of the Congress of South African Writers (COSAW). As a member of the ANC in 1989, Nadine testified in the mitigation for eleven United Democratic Front (UDF) leaders and Vaal Civil Association activists. In 1991, Nadine became the first South African and the first woman in 25 years to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The African National Congress sends its heartfelt condolences to Gordimer's family, friends and her comrades and colleagues. Our country has lost an unmatched literary giant whose life's work was our mirror and an unending quest for humanity. 

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, July 14 2014

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