By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa declares Special Official Funeral Category 2 for Jessie Duarte.
Duarte died early on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer.
In a statement presidency said, “Duarte was a long-time anti-apartheid activist who served as Special Assistant to former President Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart, Walter Sisulu. In 1994 she was appointed to the Gauteng Provincial Government as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Safety and Security. Between 1999 and 2003, she served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique. “
“Until her untimely passing Ambassador Duarte was serving as Deputy Secretary General of the governing African National Congress (ANC) following her election in 2012, and she was a member of its National Executive Committee, a role she occupied since 1997.”
Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Ambassador Duarte, who dedicated her life to the liberation of South Africa and particularly the emancipation of women.
Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the funeral this afternoon, read the statement.