Premier Kaobitza Bushi Maape of the province of North West, South Africa, mourns the loss of struggle veteran and trade unionist Rita Alice Ndzanga.
Mrs. Ndzanga passed away on August 17, 2022, at the age of 88. She was born in the town of Magopa near Ventersdorp on October 17, 1933 to Isaac and Alina More. Lawrence Ndzanga, who had been imprisoned for his political actions, died in jail in 1977.
Prime Minister Maape, reflecting on Ms. Ndzanga’s participation in the liberation movement, said that she belonged to a generation of stalwarts who devoted their life to the freedom of the nation. In addition, she was influential in the establishment of the South African Trade Union Congress.
“She belonged to a generation of leaders who were ethical, resilient and selfless,” noted Prime Minister Maape.
Ms. Ndzanga received the National Order of Luthuli in 2004 for her commitment to the attainment of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and free South Africa. This includes her great commitment to the protection of workers’ rights during a time when the black working class was subject to exploitation, abuse, and racial injustice.
Ndzanga was arrested under the Terrorism Act and detained in jail for eighteen months throughout this time period, mainly in 1969. She was forbidden and limited to the village of Senaoane for an additional five years after her release.
Prime Minister Maape has expressed his deepest condolences to Rita Ndzanga’s family, friends, and fellow comrades. Mama Rita Ndzanga was praised as a pioneer whose battling spirit and sacrifices will be memorialised in the country’s revolutionary rhetoric, especially in organised labour, he remarked.
“She diligently served the workers and put their interests first, especially in dismantling apartheid and its draconian laws. Her contribution as a Member of Parliament is a rich legacy she leaves behind,” said Prime Minister Maape.