The Congress of South African Trade Unions is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of ANC Deputy Secretary General Cde Jessie Duarte.We send our heartfelt condolences to the ANC, her family, colleagues, and friends.

Cde Jessie Duarte served the ANC with merit and aplomb at many levels. Her many years of activism saw her rise from building the then Federation of Transvaal Women, to being active in the United Democratic Front, and working with the late Beyers Naude to empower young people with educational opportunities; to rising to the most senior ranks in the liberation movement and the democratic government. 

In her years as national leader in the ANC she worked very closely with the Federation to unite the Alliance and keep it focused on its work and commitments to the people despite challenges. She believed in and strove to build a strong Alliance.

She was also a great proponent and champion of women holding leadership positions in the movement and society in general. She despised racism ad tribalism and did not shy away from calling his own comrades and organisation if she detected any hint of these demons in their conduct.  She was not afraid to say exactly how she felt on an issue.

The only way for the Alliance to hour Cde Jessie is to work on its unity and in building a non-racial movement and country that empowers women across society.

We will forever remember her as a champion of women empowerment, solid advocate for social justice and a formidable leader of our movement.

May her soul rest in peace!

Issued by COSATU
 
Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)

Tel: 011 339 4911
Cell: 060 975 6794