ANCWL's Lambert laid to rest

ANC Women's League stalwart Ellen Lambert has been laid to rest at Reiger Park on the East Rand.

Lambert, who was commonly known as "Aunt Ellen" among party members, died at the age of 78, reported the SABC on Sunday.

She joined the ANC in 1953 and was one of the Freedom Charter volunteers. At her youthful stage, she worked with ANC leaders including Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada and many others.

Lambert operated underground during the banning of the ANC and was constantly harassed by police, the broadcaster reported.

During the 1980s she worked tirelessly for the formation of the United Democratic Front, leading major campaigns opposing the apartheid tri-cameral parliament.

After the unbanning of the ANC, she was among those who established the first ANC branches in Reiger Park, Actonville, and Eldorado Park.

Some of those attendeing the funeral were Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane, and Lulu Xingwana, the Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities.