South Africa

Robert Sobukwe's widow‚ Zondeni‚ dies aged 91

15 August 2018 - 07:46 By Timeslive
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Veronica and Robert Sobukwe soon after his release from Robben Island.
Veronica and Robert Sobukwe soon after his release from Robben Island.
Image: Ralph Ndawo © Rand Daily Mail/ Avusa

Pan Africanist Congress founder Robert Sobukwe's widow‚ Zondeni‚ has died after a long illness.

She turned 91 in July.

She lived a quiet life in Graaff Reinet in the Eastern Cape. They were married between 1950-1978.

Early on Wednesday‚ the PAC tweeted only: "Sad moment!!"

Born Zondeni Veronica Mathe‚ she had four children: Miliswa‚ Dinilesizwe‚ Dalindyebo and Dedanizizwe‚ according to Thando Sipuye‚ an executive member of the Africentrik Study Group at Fort Hare‚ who paid tribute to her last year to commemorate her 90th birthday.

Nelisa Sobukwe (left), Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe and family friend Vaida Sokopo during the handover of land for a memorial museum to Robert Sobukwe in Graaff-Reinet. File photo.
Nelisa Sobukwe (left), Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe and family friend Vaida Sokopo during the handover of land for a memorial museum to Robert Sobukwe in Graaff-Reinet. File photo.
Image: BRIAN WITBOOI © The Herald.

"Mama Sobukwe epitomises the collective experiences of many other Black women throughout the African continent and diaspora‚ whose roles and contributions to the liberation struggle remain unacknowledged‚ unrecognized in popular historical narratives‚ biographical memory and national consciousness‚" he wrote.

"The life story of this indomitable woman is one marked by constant neglect‚ pain and erasure‚" said Sipuye.

Struggle stalwart Zondeni Sobukwe has died on August 15 2018. Tributes have poured in for Zondeni, who was married to Pan Africanist Congress founder Robert Sobukwe.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Most read

  1. 2.6-million traffic register numbers have been issued irregularly: Mothibi South Africa
  2. University researchers uncover toxic legacy in Klip River South Africa
  3. 'Why would Kelly borrow R200 if she had just got R20,000 for selling Joshlin?' ... South Africa
  4. Health minister Motsoaledi's daughter breaks mould as tech entrepreneur Sci-Tech
  5. Trump nominates father of January 6 rioter as US ambassador to SA World

Latest Videos

Malaika - Destiny
The Tokens - The Lion Sleeps Tonight