By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The condolences have been pouring in for veteran community activist Sally Mphifi Motlana-Maunye, who died on Saturday at the age of 96.
In a statement,family spokesperson Keneilwe Motlana said they were deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved matriarch.
Motlana, affectionately known as Mam’Motlana, collapsed on Wednesday at her home in Dube, Soweto and was admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent condolences to the Motlana and Maunye families following the passing of Motlana.
“We are mourning the loss of a stalwart, whose extended lifetime is a canvas of the history of our struggle. Mam Sally Motlana was a fearless and resolute opponent of oppression, and a deeply spiritual and empathetic builder and organiser of communities who suffered under apartheid,” the President said.
Motlana was detained by Apartheid police several times and served as Secretary of the African National Congress Youth League in 1951.
“Mam Sally endured arrests and harassment from a system that reserved the greatest disadvantage and dehumanisation for black women but remained steadfast in her belief that apartheid would be overcome.
“Today, as we continue to confront the legacy of the system she fought against, we should emulate Mam Motlana’s dedication to building self-sustaining and caring communities, “Ramaphosa said.
The Presidency reflected on Motlana’s life.
She studied at Fort Hare University and… worked as a teacher until 1954 when she resigned from her post as part of the Defiance Campaign’s rejection of the newly introduced Bantu Education.
“She was instrumental in the South African Council of Churches’ adoption of a public stand against apartheid and went on to serve as President of the Black Housewives League for 20 years.
“Under Mam Motlana’s leadership, the league undertook a number of development projects in education and food security in communities around Limpopo and Soweto,” He said.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Motlana as a “great patriot”, a community leader, an activist, and a “pioneer of black excellence and women’s empowerment”.
“In the dark days of apartheid repression, she held the mantle to uplift the community of Soweto and the people of South Africa through several community-driven initiatives, social entrepreneurship and the development of the township economy,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
The ANC said Motlana leaves behind a strong mark of excellence at a critical moment when the country is experiencing socio-economic challenges, which should be overcome in her honour.
“(We) extend heartfelt sympathies to the Motlana and Maunye families [Maunye was Mam’Motlana’s maiden name] and countless communities whose lives she positively impacted,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday 29 June (15:00) at the St Mary’s Parish in Orlando East and the funeral will take place at All Saints Anglican Church, Fourways on Monday 3 July.