ANC statement on the passing on of Sister Bernard Ncube

31 August 2012

The ANC has learned with sadness the passing on this morning of Sister Bernard Ncube who was an anti-apartheid and struggle veteran and champion of women rights in South Africa. It is an interesting coincidence that she passed on during a month that honors women, a subject she was passionate about. Sister Ncube, who studied theology and was a teacher and entered the Companions Catholic Order, was pivotal in organising women in the 1970s to the 1980`s in Transvaal to form the Federation of Transvaal Women, Fedtraw, to which she was elected as President in 1984. Like many stalwarts in her league, she was detained, spent time in solitary confinement and as well as being charged for sedition and subversion. She served in the leadership of United Democratic Front, the African National Congress and served in community structures in Kagiso under the banner of the mass democratic movement.

Sister Bernard continued her activism in the post apartheid period. She served in the National Assembly where her leadership skills were realized when she was the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Arts and Culture. She was an alternate member of the NCOP. She also served as the Mayor of the Westrand District Council. Despite her religious beliefs she was pragmatic when it came to public policy options and thus was referred to as an `unorthodox` nun. Sister Bernard Ncube spent her adult life at the service of the people of South Africa. For that, we are eternally indebted to her and her family. Even in death her stature will loom large as she has left us a noble legacy.

To her family we want to say that she lived an accomplished life. Her life deserves to be celebrated. The values, beliefs and ideals she held dear will continue to guide and define our work as the ANC. As an organisation we commit ourselves to take her legacy forward. We will continue to liaise with the family on funeral preparations and memorial service which together with the family we will make public after finalization.

Issued by:
Jackson Mthembu
ANC National Spokesperson
African National Congress

Enquiries
Keith Khoza 0828239672