ANC stalwart Ntombazana Botha dies age 82

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape is mourning the death of struggle stalwart and former Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ntombazana Botha, age 82.

Botha passed away at an East London hospital on Saturday after a long illness.

The party says it has lost a gender activist and advocate for equality.

Botha started her political activism within the trade union movement and became an associate member of the South African Allied Workers Union in 1980 until 1981.

Provincial ANC spokesperson Gift Ngqondi says the party is saddened by Botha’s passing.

“Comrade Ntombazana Botha’s passing the veterans league in the broader movement has lost an organiser, a dedicated servant of our people and a community builder. We dip our banner in honour of this heroin of our revolution. The ANC sends its deepest condolences to her family and friends.”