Issued by: Office of the President
17 December 1996
To: Luthuli Family
I have learnt with grief of the passing away on Sunday of Mrs Nokukhanya Luthuli, a sister, a comrade and a leader.
Ripe of age as Mrs Nokukhanya was, and a figther who dedicated her life to the advancement of others, it was to be expected that she woul one day peacefully go to sleep forever. But so mammoth was her contribution to the struggle for freedom, and so awesome her presence among us even when she was ill, that we can be forgiven the expectation that she would always be with us in the flesh.
And so a stout heart has stopped to beat. And with this, the curtain has been drawn on an era of epic contribution to freedom and justice. As a leader in her own right, a mother of the nation par excelence and a supportive companion to Chief Alfred Luthuli, she was and will always remain a role model to the nation.
Our condolences go to Mrs Luthuli's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren an other relatives: please be assured of our sympathy during this difficult period.
We are with you in mourning this heroine who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms that we do today. We know, however, that she will always be with us in spirit as we continue from where she left off, to build a better life for all.
Yours sincerely.
Signature Nelson Mandela