Messages of condolences for the passing of the African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Secretary General Yasmin “Jessie” Duarte, in the early hours of Sunday, continue to pour in.
Duarte, who succumbed to cancer after an eight-month battle, was first admitted to the hospital in November 2021.
Announcing her passing the ANC expressed its “heartfelt condolences to the Duarte, Dangor, and Whitley extended families, loved ones, and friends”.
The ANC said: “The passing of Comrade Jessie is a great loss, not only to the family but to the democratic movement and the country as a whole. As a committed internationalist and former diplomat, not only will she be mourned by South Africa, but colleagues and comrades on the African continent and … international progressive movements.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it “extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of ANC stalwart Jessie Duarte”.
Duarte was well known for being a fiery character who had worked closely with Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela and who held various posts in the party and government before standing in as Secretary General for the suspended Ace Magashule.
“May her soul rest in peace,” the DA said .
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said it “sends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte”.
The EFF remembered Duarte as a “fierce, firm and forthright individual who paid her dues to the struggle for liberation in South Africa. She was passionate about gender equality, and fighting against all forms of sexism and patriarchy”.
The EFF said Duarte will be remembered fondly by many young men and women, who passed through her hands and grew through her guidance.
“The ANC has lost a committed member, and the EFF sends its condolences to them. May Comrade Jessie Duarte Rest In Perfect Peace,” said the EFF.
ActionSA said it “extends its most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of acting ANC Secretary General Jessie Duarte”.
ActionSA added: “We further extend our condolences to the ANC for the loss of one of its leaders”.
The National Freedom Party (NFP) said “The passing on of ANC Deputy Secretary-General, Jesse Duarte has left South Africa empty as she was not only a stalwart of her party but a true servant of the people.
“Duarte was an extraordinary leader, a social activist, an ambassador of hope, a human rights activist, and a strong defender of the rights of women.
“She stood above the rest in defending and protecting the rights to life for every individual in the country and probably the continent by standing firm in her conviction that we are all equal.
“She is remembered for her humility and a good heart. Her death has dealt South African politics a huge blow. Indeed, local and international politics would never be the same.”
Duarte was 68 when she passed on.
The NFP added: “We send our sincere condolences to the ANC, her family and friends, and the entire political fraternity in the country. Her passing leaves a huge void which may never be filled.
“May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.”
