Solomon hailed for uplifting the vulnerable

Funeral service for Theresa Solomon.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has described the city’s late former mayor, Theresa Solomon, as a leader who made a significant impact in uplifting the most vulnerable people.

Solomon’s funeral is underway in Lansdowne. She died last week at the age of 79.

Hill-Lewis says Solomon cared for communities.

“She wanted children growing up on the Cape Flats to have the best possible chance of living a life of dignity, safety and opportunity. And that is why long after she became an activist and before entering politics, she threw herself into campaigns for better schools, for local hospitals, for police, and for better public communities. Because she knew what a difference it would make to the thousands of people if they had access to those amenities.”

‘Compassionate leader’

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has praised Solomon as a voice of unwavering encouragement.

Mbalula has described Solomon as a mother figure in her community, who cared about the vulnerable in her community.

Mbalula says Solomon was a compassionate leader and offered herself to the communities she lived in, including children and the elderly.

“Her heartbeat is equally strong for the daily life and well-being of her community. She was its nurturing soul. A mother to all. Her compassion knew no bounds. She was the one who checked on the sick and the elderly. Who offered a pot of food to a struggling neighbour? Who mediated disputes with wisdom and fairness. Her door was always open where counsel was sought and respected.”

[IN PICTURES] Today I joined mourners, ANC members and the community at the funeral service of own, Cde Theresa Mary Solomon. We stand united not only in grief, but in profound reverence and enduring gratitude. We are here to celebrate, to remember, and to honour the truly… pic.twitter.com/YaYiR611pb

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) July 19, 2025