arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

DEATH OF WALTER SISULU

5 May 2003

It is with a heavy heart and profound sense of loss that the African National Congress learned of the death this evening (5 May 2003) of Isithwalandwe Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu, a giant of the liberation struggle and one of the founding fathers of South Africa's democracy.

Sisulu, who served the ANC as Secretary-General and later as Deputy President, was an African patriot whose heroism, humility and leadership earned him the respect and love of the millions of our people.

Sisulu was ANC Secretary-General at the time of the Defiance Campaign, and Deputy President of the organisation during the constitutional negotiations leading up to the 1994 democratic elections. A Rivonia Treason Trialist, Sisulu spent 26 years in prison. On 8 January 1992, Sisulu was awarded Isithwalandwe Seaparankoe, the highest honour of the ANC, for his contribution to the struggle for liberation.

Committed to the liberation struggle from an early age, Sisulu was centrally involved in the revitalisation of the ANC and the intensification of mass struggle in the late 1940s and 1950s. Following his release from prison in 1989, Sisulu played a leading role in the re-establishment of the ANC inside the country and the management of the difficult transition period. He has never ceased to be a source of advice and inspiration to ANC leaders and members.

On behalf of the leadership and the entire membership of the ANC, we extend heartfelt condolences to the Sisulu family, and especially to Ma Albertina Sisulu.

We join them in mourning the loss of a father and a hero.

Kgalema Motlanthe
Secretary General