Mbeki on Friday joined hundreds of mourners who paid their last respects to anti-apartheid veteran Dr Kuzwayo at St John’s Anglican Church in Soweto.
“The child to which she had given birth still needed her, to nurture it at least to attain its mature infancy,” Mbeki said.
Northern Cape Premier Dipuo Peters and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka were among those who came to give their last respects to “the outstanding leader.
The political activist and author died last week at the age of 91 after a long illness.
She would be remembered for her exceptional role in the struggle against apartheid and for the development of literature in South Africa.
Dr Kuzwayo also served as the Member of Parliament.
Mbeki said “Ma K” – as Dr Kuzwayo was affectionately known – inspired many South Africans, especially women and the youth, to understand the revolution against oppression.
He also praised her as a heroine who demonstrated willingness to sacrifice everything for the emancipation of the people.
“Ellen Khuzwayo succeeded to inject deep into the souls of the oppressed the conviction that, it is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees,” said Mr Mbeki.
Mr Mbeki added that the inheritors of her legacy would ensure that the exercise of power to the people underpinned humane values and principles.
Family member Grace Masuku – who was conferred with the Order of the Baobab by Mbeki last week – said she dedicated the award to Dr Kuzwayo for her teachings on serving the people.
“She instilled the culture of serving the people in me. She taught me that with service came truth and loyalty, and she brought nothing to our lives than showers of blessings,” she said.
Masuku was honoured for her contribution to environmental conservation.
Dr Khuzwayo was a prolific author and her published works included Call me Woman and Sit and Listen: Stories from South Africa.
The Universities of Natal, Port Elizabeth and Witwatersrand awarded her honorary doctorates in recognition of her remarkable work.
She will be buried at the Doornkop cemetery later on Friday.
Dr Kuzwayo is survived by her sons, Bobo and Justice Moloto, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. – BuaNews
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