The African National Congress (ANC) on Monday said ailing Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Jessie Duarte was on the mend.
“The DSG has been ill for some time and is now well on the road to full recovery,” said Pule Mabe, the ANC national spokesperson.
The ANC announcement put paid to insensitive rumours doing the rounds that 68-year-old Duarte had passed away.
Pule said the ANC has “learned with great shock of fake news messages doing rounds that our Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Jessie Duarte has passed away.
“These fake news messages are very inhumane, barbaric, inconsiderate, and very hurting to the person of the DSG, her family, friends, comrades as well as to the broader mass democratic movement.
“The ANC categorically dismisses these nonsensical claims peddled by some through fake news messages across social and mainstream media platforms.”
Duarte fell ill in November last year and was hospitalised with gastrointestinal complications.
The ANC national spokesperson said messages of support and prayers have “contributed immensely to the DSG’s road to recovery”.
Pule said the ANC was encouraged by “comrade Duarte’s display of strength” and looks “forward to her imminent return to the office.”
