Earlier this week CNN‚ reported that Aretha was in hospice care at her home‚ where she was being looked after by health professionals‚ friends and family.
A report by the Mirror UK said the star was in "the final stages of a devastating eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer" and was receiving around the clock treatment.
The EFF said it considered soul music as “one of the greatest sounds invented by a people under the yoke of racial humiliation”.
“She (Franklin) was also one of the central artists who took a stand against apartheid and rallied for the release of political prisoners in South Africa. Thus‚ we join in saying a little prayer for Mama Franklin‚ that her soul may rest in the same proud soul that her soul music gave to humanity in general.”
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela tweeted: “Thank you for the music Aretha Franklin. It inspired and gave confidence to many‚ particularly women. Heartfelt condolences to the family‚ friends and colleagues.”