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Ma Thwala on her way to heaven

Bongiwe Khumalo

Bongiwe Khumalo

Activist Joslina Thwala's life ended on January 4, only two days after she complained of a stomach ache.

"Ma Thwala", 74, received her basic education at Volkrust Combined School at Vukuzakhe, a missionary institution.

In 1953 she married James Thwala, her lifetime partner.

She worked as a house helper for more than 20 years to feed, clothe and put her siblings through school.

In 1976 one of her children, Gilbert, was hounded by the apartheid government until he went into exile.

At the dinner table she would say: " I wonder if he's got his own supper, wherever he is."

She was thankful to see him again.

In 1984 she and her eldest son, Mandla, were detained, but she was released after two months.

Thwala will be laid to rest tomorrow at the Avalon Cemetery. The cortege will leave from her home for the cemetery at 10am.

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