The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins the nation and the entire Alliance in mourning the loss of anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist, Ma Gertrude Shope, who passed away this week at the age of 99.  

It is through stalwarts of Ma Shope’s caliber and many others who dedicated their lives through the liberation movement to serving the masses, that the nation attained the democracy it now enjoys. Her character was revealed early in her life in her 20s, when she abandoned her personal aspirations, joining the African National Congress (ANC) to resist a brutal political system. Her initial resistance to the apartheid regime was proven by the bold decision to relinquish her teaching career as part of the campaign to boycott Bantu Education.  

Having lived in exile over many years, serving in the ANC’s Woman’s Section and later as president of the Women’s League and member of the party’s National Executive Committee(NEC), she was instrumental in carving the recognition of human rights, the amplification of the voice of women, fearless in pursuit of justice for the vulnerable and equality for women, carrying these principals to Parliament after the 1994 elections.  

The Federation recognizes the active role she and her late husband, Mark Shope, played in the labour movement through the COSATU’s predecessor, the South African Congress of Trade Unions as well as the World Federation of Trade Unions.  Ma Shope also played a key role in the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW). For her freedom was not limited to the decimation of racial segregation. It also meant acknowledging workers in their sectors, a passion she embodied consistently.  

As we mourn this humble heroine, we are reminded to appreciate the altruistic sacrifices made by those who liberated South Africa from the bondages of apartheid. The achievement of our democracy came at a lifelong cost for Ma Shope and her remarkable family.  

COSATU salutes her. May her legacy live on.  Hamba kahle uMkhonto.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za