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Getrude Shope at an event
Tributes are pouring for the late ANC stalwart and struggle veteran Gertrude Shope. She died at her home in Gauteng yesterday at the age of 99.
Ma -Shope, as she was affectionately known, was born in Johannesburg but grew up in Zimbabwe. She was trained as a teacher and later taught in the former Natal and in Soweto.
The African National Congress announces with deep sadness the passing of Isithwalandwe/Seaparankoe Gertrude Shope also known as Ma Shope, who departed peacefully at her home in Gauteng earlier today, aged 99 pic.twitter.com/Z140jo87ML
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) May 22, 2025
She joined the ANC at the age of 29 and soon afterwards left teaching as part of the campaign to boycott Bantu Education during the apartheid era. She also served as ANC Women’s League president.
“ActionSA wishes to convey its condolences to the family of Gertrude Shope and her political party, the ANC, following the passing of this respected antiapartheid fighter, trade unionist, and former president of the ANC Women’s League.
It is the right…
— ActionSA (@Action4SA) May 22, 2025
ANC stalwart Gertrude Shope dies aged 99
