By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The late African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee member Violet Sizani Siwela was laid to rest in Dwarsloop, near Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga.
Siwela, who was in and out of hospital in the last three weeks, died on Thursday after undergoing surgery.
She died at the age 68.
ANC Women’s League members in their green, yellow, and gold regalia came out in their numbers to pay their last respects and bid farewell to their fellow fallen comrade.
During the funeral, members of the Women’s League stood in a line next to Siwela’s white coffin covered with the ANC flag.
ANC Chief Whip Pemmy Majodina said Siwela will be remembered for her passion for the job.
“Mama Siwela was a person that you can rely on 24 hours. She was a workaholic, she understood the role of Parliament, she respected the constitution, she respected the timelines when it comes to passing of a bill. She was embracing especially to new members who don’t know how Parliament works. She was a lady of note.”
Delivering the eulogy, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said winning the upcoming elections will be a great honour to Siwela’s legacy.
“Her passing comes when we know she would have shown her commitment and dedication to the country and its people by fighting to secure a victory for the African National Congress in the coming elections this year. Comrade Violate would encourage all of us to commit ourselves to rally behind the banner of the ANC and represent the organisation well as we engage the people of South Africa to continue to support the ANC in improving what we have achieved over the past 30 years.”
Born on 26 April 1956, in Bushbuckridge, she dedicated her life to the service of the people of South Africa leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape.
Siwela was the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development as well as the Chairperson of the Powers and Privileges Committee and a former Human Settlements MEC in Mpumalanga.
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Video Courtesy of MYANC.