Mbeki: Gertrude Shope was very unhappy about the negative developments in SA

Nokukhanya Mntambo

Nokukhanya Mntambo

2 June 2025 | 4:55

The 99-year-old died last week. The educator and trade unionist has been largely celebrated for her efforts in advancing women’s rights.

JOHANNESBURG - Former President Thabo Mbeki said African National Congress (ANC) stalwart Gertrude Shope died unhappy about the state of affairs in the country.

The 99-year-old died last week.

The educator and trade unionist was largely celebrated for her efforts in advancing women’s rights.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa: Persistent inequalities undermine progress made in advancing women’s rights

Mbeki was among the mourners at Shope’s funeral on Saturday.

He spoke on the sidelines of Shope’s funeral service at Wits University in Johannesburg, reflecting on the stalwart’s life.

"I know that she was very, very unhappy about the negative developments in the country. I’m saying, as we say goodbye to her, we need to make a commitment to address those challenges so that we build that South Africa she fought for and died for."

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