The ANC Women's League said it is deeply saddened by the death of Sister Bernard Ncube, "who dedicated her life to the struggle for freedom and furthermore to the emancipation of women".

She was born in Johannesburg in 1932.

Sister Ncube played an integral role by organising women in the 1970s and '80s, in the then Transvaal. She also assisted in establishing the Federation of Transvaal Women and later became that organisation's president.

A teacher by profession, she had studied theology and was part of the Champions of the Catholic order and was referred to as an “unorthodox” nun, due to her practical, no-nonsense views on public policy.

"She was truly loved by all who knew her."

SAHistory.org states that Sister Ncube was detained six times under emergency regulations, including once when she spent three months in solitary confinement in 1986. When her cause came to international attention, she was freed but was rearrested with a number of other people, charged with sedition and subversion. These charges were however withdrawn by the state when no substantial evidence was found.

After the advent of democracy, she served on many Government structures including being a Member of Parliament. She was also chairperson of the Art and Culture portfolio committee in Parliament.

"The ANCWL send our deepest condolences to the Ncube family during this difficult time, but we hope they find comfort in the fact that Sister Bernard Ncube’s life will forever be an inspiration to future generations of women leaders and activists."