By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Yasmin ‘Jessie’ Duarte, the deputy secretary general of the African National Congress (ANC)’ has died.
Duarte, 69, was undergoing treatment for cancer and had been on medical leave since November 2021.
“The ANC expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Duarte, Dangor, and Whitley extended families, loved ones and friends. She was both a tower of strength to the organisation as well as a matriarch and pillar of her family,” the ANC said in a statement.
The party added that Duarte’s passing is a great loss not only to the family, but to the democratic movement and the whole country as a whole.
“As a committed internationalist and former diplomat, not only will she be mourned by South Africa, but by colleagues and comrades on the national continent and in the international progressive movement.”
Duarte has been serving as the deputy secretary general since 2012, and was a member of the ANC since 2002. The ANC described her as a person who dedicated her entire life to the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous, and just South Africa.
Duarte was born on 19 September 1953. After matriculating from the Coronationville Secondary School in Johannesburg, she started her professional career as a management accountant.
Her political career began in 1979 when she was recruited by Albertina Sisulu to set up women’s structures throughout South Africa.
Then in 1981, Duarte joined the Federation of Transvaal Women (FEDTRAW) and was detained without trial seven years later.
In 1988, she was placed under restriction orders until the lift of the State of Emergency.
She will be buried this afternoon in Johannesburg according to Muslim rites.
Duarte is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family.
Tributes:
Nelson Mandela Foundation
“We have been deeply saddened to hear that Comrade Jessie Duarte has passed away. We send heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and comrades.
“Jessie’s extraordinarily rich life intersected with that of Nelson Mandela and with the journey of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Together with Barbara Masekela, between 1990 and 1994 she gave Madiba the dedicated executive assistance he needed in those tumultuous years of transition. She became both comrade and friend to him. Jessie was the beloved sister of Achmat Dangor, renowned author and the chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation between 2007 and 2012.
“We join with many in saying hamba kahle to an outstanding South African. She will be missed.
ActionSA
The political movement ActionSA said: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of acting ANC Secretary-General, Jessie Duarte, who passed away in the early hours of this morning. We further extend our condolences to the ANC for the loss of one of its leaders.”
GOOD Party
The GOOD party said it has learned with “deep sadness” of Duarte’s passing.
“As the party, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Duarte, as well as her political colleagues in the ANC.
“Duarte will be dearly missed and remembered for her contribution to the freedom of South Africa, with a life dedicated to the struggle against apartheid.”
Democratic Alliance
The Democratic Alliance (DA) extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of ANC stalwart Jessie Duarte who passed away earlier today following a short illness. Duarte was a dedicated member of the African National Congress and held a number of positions in the South African party-political landscape over many years.
Duarte was well known for being a fiery character who had worked closely with Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela and who held various posts in the party and government before standing in as Secretary General for the suspended Ace Magashule.
May her soul rest in peace.
Jacob Zuma
Former President Jacob Zuma conveys his heartfelt condolences to the Duarte family, friends and to the ANC for the passing of Cde Jessie. Zuma says his relationship with Cde Jessie goes a long way. A special tribute to reflect on their mutual respect and comradeship will soon be issued,” said Jacob Zuma Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi.
UDM Leader Bantu Holomisa
Bantu Holomisa said: “My condolences to Duarte’s family, the ANC and friends. She played her innings.
“She [Duarte] and Barbara Masekela used to welcome me, when called by Madiba for meetings at Shell House. Uhambe kakuhle Nkosazana, ugqatso ulufezile (rest in peace ma’am. your journey is complete),” said Holomisa.
Thabo Mbeki Foundation
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation described Duarte as a “stalwart of our liberation movement” who contributed to the birth of democratic South Africa.
“Our country is poorer without her!”
The foundation said it was saddened to hear of her death “following months of a brave fight against cancer”.
Deputy President David Mabuza
“Today we woke to the news of the sad passing of our dear comrade and sister in struggle, Ms Jessie Duarte. We bow our heads to salute her immense contribution to the struggle for freedom, as well as her dedication to building a democratic South Africa. We are poorer without her.”
ZANUPF
The Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) expresses its heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Duarte family, loved ones, friends, comrades and the people of SA as they mourn the passing of the ANC‘s Deputy SG, Cde Jessie Duarte. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, have conveyed their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family of the African National Congress Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte.
A seasoned leader and stalwart of the anti-apartheid struggle, Ms Duarte devoted her life to the service of the people of South Africa in various capacities, both pre and post-democratic era, with courage, bravery and dedication,” said Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo in a statement.
In addition, the National Freedom Party’s Canaan Mdletshe said her death has “left South Africa empty as she was not only a stalwart but a true servant of the people”.
Mdletshe said: “Duarte was an extraordinary leader, a social activist, an ambassador of hope, a human rights activist and a strong defender of the rights of women”.
He said she will be remembered for her humility and a good heart, adding that “local and international politics would never be the same”.
Meanwhile, The Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa (FESJA) said Duarte “has been kind to us as FESJA members and has helped us to develop in many ways”.
In a statement issued by the FESJA, Chairperson Lucky Thekisho said “humanity should not forget the role played by Duarte in the project of nation building.
“Hamba kahle khawe la makhawe”, the statement concluded
Duarte’s brother Zane Dangor said the family was taking comfort in the fact that she was now at peace after her battle with cancer.
Dangor said Duarte, “… took care of most of us including myself in the family.
“We have come to terms with her passing because we knew she was in pain for the past eight months.
“In the last couple of weeks we spoke about that she was ready to go but she was only worried about how everyone else would deal with her passing,” said Dangor.