Jessie Duarte passes away at 68

Duarte died on Sunday morning after losing her battle with cancer. 

She will be buried on Sunday afternoon in Johannesburg according to Muslim rites.

Duarte served as deputy secretary general of the ANC since 2012 and was a member of the party's national executive committee since 2002.

"She was both a tower of strength to the organisation as well as a matriarch and pillar of her family," says ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe. 

"The passing of comrade Jessie is a great loss, not only to the family, but to the democratic movement and the country as a whole.

"As a committed internationalist and former diplomat, not only will she be mourned by South Africa, but by colleagues and comrades on the African continent and the international progressive movement.

"She dedicated her entire life to the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous, and just South Africa.

"A committed gender activist, she relentlessly championed the emancipation and empowerment of women.

"Her life and work reflected a consistent commitment to advancing the rights and of the poor and marginalised."