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Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, has learned with shock about the death of the struggle icon, uMama Albertina Sisulu.

“As we celebrate the International Day of Families today, we are inspired by her resilience and values of humility, respect and unity. These are the values from which all South Africans should learn in an effort to build a united, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa,” she said.

Ms Sisulu was a champion of human rights who fought against oppression at the time when the majority of South Africans were segregated on the basis of race and gender.

“We mourn the death of a stalwart who stood up to the challenges of her generation. That on its own is a rich legacy she leaves behind for all South Africans to stand up in unity against the current challenges of our times such as women and children abuse, substance abuse, HIV and AIDS, poverty and unemployment,” said Minister Dlamini.

As a heroine who fought tirelessly for the birth of a democratic South Africa, her death should serve as a reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today remain a fragile entity that seeks to be protected against destructive forces.

“Our generation, especially the youth, have a responsibility to carry the baton by defending our democracy, just as uMama Sisulu defended the course of the struggle against apartheid,” said Minister Dlamini.