ANC struggle stalwart Gertrude Shope to be laid to rest on Saturday

JOHANNESBURG - Former educator, trade unionist and the first African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) president, Gertrude Shope, will be laid to rest on Saturday.

The 99-year-old political activist died last Thursday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at her funeral, set to take place at Wits University on Saturday morning.

Shope will be honoured with a special official funeral category 1.

The life and times of Ma Shope, as she was fondly known, will be highlighted once again as the country bids her a final goodbye.

The activist who spent years exiled in countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria, as well as Czechoslovakia, has been lauded for her efforts in the fight for both women and workers’ rights.

Shope, who became the first ANC Women’s League president following its relaunch in the 1990s, has largely been described as a remarkable leader.

Her remains will be transported to her final resting place at West Park Cemetery on Saturday afternoon.