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"It is the movement that shaped them and they in turn shaped the movement. I thank the Sisulu family for giving the whole family up to the struggle for liberation," Mantashe told the audience attending Sisulu's memorial service in Tshwane.

Mantashe evoked giggles from the gathering when he shared quotes from the letters Sisulu wrote to her imprisoned husband, Walter Sisulu.

He said Albertina Sisulu referred to informers as "worms" and wrote to her husband that "the worms have gone so strong that when you plant, the worms destroy the plants instantly".

"This was one of her many novel ways of updating her husband and other detained freedom fighters about the status of the struggle for liberation without catching the attention of prison officials," said Mantashe.

ANC Women's League president and Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said losing a person of Sisulu's standing was an unbearable blow "but the process of healing must begin".

She said Sisulu was a fearless warrior queen from a family of loyal cadres commanding global respect.

"She was a genuine friend for all seasons, a mother, a neighbour and a leader who always led from the front and behind the scenes.

"She dedicated her life to the construction of a democratic state. Her entire life is part of our history," Motshekga said.

The service was attended by Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Nelson Mandela's wife Graça Machel, former minister in Thabo Mbeki's presidency Essop Pahad and other government ministers and ambassadors.

Sisulu will receive an official state funeral tomorrow. She will be buried alongside her late husband at Croesus Cemetery, Industria.

A night vigil will be held this evening at the Holy Cross Anglican Church in Soweto followed by a valediction to be held at Sisulu's Soweto home on Saturday morning before the funeral service at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto.

Official proceedings are expected to begin at 9am at Orlando Stadium, where President Jacob Zuma is expected to deliver the keynote address.

"There will be 80 buses used to transport family and dignitaries," said Gauteng traffic police spokesperson Obed Sibasa

Dignitaries attending the funeral will travel from Albertina Sisulu Hall in Randburg to Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

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Sat May 18 18:28:30 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 10, 2011

spaceboi

....I was waiting for it!
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Jun 10, 2011

LoveSA

"to ensure that it did not marginalise individuals of her calibre" - That is exactly what the ANC is doing. I wish I can BOLD and Highlight it.

"I thank the Sisulu family for giving the whole family up to the struggle for liberation" - Can we please just ask the daughter to get out of cabinet? She is doing a terrible job. Defense force and Cucci does not go together. Rather give her a job @ telkom.

Rest in peace, Albertina.
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Jun 10, 2011

Mystery

80 busses,thats a lot feel sorry for those who'll be driving in that route
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Jun 10, 2011

svavava

Can we please just ask the daughter to get out of cabinet? She is doing a terrible job---@LoveSA, agree with u

Rest in peace mama sisulu
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Jun 10, 2011

Sharpino

Mama Sisulu you heard what ppl said about you this week and i believe you are proud of useself where ever you are. Please greet babaSisulu and all ANC ancestors. VIVA COMRADE MAMA SISULU VIVA
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Jun 10, 2011

Sharpino

svavava
LoveZimbabwe

Can you share with us what Lindiwe did?
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Jun 10, 2011

4biko

Truly a great woman...
Will the ever be any like her in the ANC....
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Jun 10, 2011

SKIZOBANTWANA

Hambaaa !! Hamba kahle Mkhontooo, Mkhontooo weMkhonto Mkhonto weSizwe..
Thinaaa!!! thina bantu boMkhonto siz'misele ukuwabulala,wona lamabhunuuu

We use to sing that song every moment we loose a cadre/comrade.. When i sing it'' i remember Freedom fighters like Martin ''Thembisile'' Chris Hani/Oliver Reginald Tambo/Joe Slovo/Zephania Mothopeng/Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe/Raymond Mhlaba/Sam Ntuli/Solomon Mahlangu/Tsietsi Mashinini/Griffits Mxhenge the list is endless

Lala Kahle Mama'' Qabane ..
I use to stay in Tokoza, i now where we come from'' Our Great great grand parents /grand parents/parents were victims, we became victims, R our children suppose to be victims..? (Words by Advocate Walter Sisulu her late Husband )

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Jun 10, 2011

Balgarion29

@ Sharpino
Can you tell us what her daughter has done right ?????.
Or does your family name compensate for ability
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Jun 10, 2011

Sinudeity

'ANC will not let Sisulu down'


You already have.
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