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Jessie Duarte was a South African anti-apartheid activist who was an aide to the country’s first Black president, Nelson Mandela (1918–2013).
Political career
Duarte was working to organize women in the fight against apartheid when she, like Mandela, was detained by the apartheid government. When Mandela was freed from his long years in prison in 1990, Duarte became one of his personal assistants, working closely with the leader as he led the fight to dismantle apartheid. Later, she served as the South African ambassador to Mozambique. She then became a leader in the African National Congress, the political party of Mandela. Duarte served as the party’s deputy secretary-general for ten years and acting secretary-general from May 2021 until her death. She had intended to retire from the position later in 2022. Sometimes a controversial figure, Duarte became known for her fiery opinions and feuds with the media.
Duarte on working with Mandela
“It was an enormous privilege … you don’t often work for a legend, and you don’t often get to do that with the kind of intensity that I did, and to get close to the people as I did.” —from a 1999 interview for Frontline
Tributes to Jessie Duarte
It’s with great sadness!
It’s sad when one never hears of anything about ones health but such sudden news!
Rest In Peace Jessie Duarte you did your part! It’s in the hands of the next generations now you fought for your own future as a youth! pic.twitter.com/Urg8YaTjSZ
— Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng (@CMogoeng) July 17, 2022
I found Jessie Duarte to be one of the most direct people I’ve ever contended with. Sharp, disarming. I was ever impressed with an ability to manage complexities that she shared with her remarkable brother, the late poet Achmat Dangor. There was kindness behind the toughness. RIP https://t.co/vy22NYp7T3
— Patrick Gaspard (@patrickgaspard) July 17, 2022
A Cadre of rare quality – Cde Jessie Duarte, you remained principled and dedicated to the ANC until the last minute of your life. Farewell, you ran your race and accomplished your life mission. You shall never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/RgDYjYHIFL
— Premier Sihle Zikalala (@sziks) July 17, 2022
With great sadness I have just received the news that Cde. #JessieDuarte, #DSG of @MYANC, passed away. I’ve known Cde. Jessie for over 35 years. Her dedication to the #ANC was very strong. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family. May Her Revolutionary Soul Rest In Peace 🙏🏾✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/FIsRqacj2M
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) July 17, 2022
May her beautiful soul Rest in Peace, Mme Jessie Duarte our ANC Deputy Secretary General . She was a great leader. I personally enjoyed her leadership and learned from her a lot. 😞 #RIPJessieDuarte pic.twitter.com/UpKQ81f9nG
— Edgar Legoale 🇿🇦 (@EdgarLegoale) July 17, 2022
Full obituary: The Washington Post
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