'It's a tough time for the family, — the brother of Jessie Duarte said ahead of the funeral. Mourners are gathering at the Johannesburg home of the late struggle stalwart Jessie Duarte, who will be given a particular official category 2 funeral on Sunday.
Read More: May Jessie Duarte soul RIP, ANC faces another terrible loss this morning, See more details below
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at the family home of the late Ambassador Jessie Duarte, Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress. The President has designated the funeral of the struggle stalwart as a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which will be held today. Duarte passed away early on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. Duarte was known for being outspoken and not shying away from the official line. Tributes on social media have described her as a fierce, brutal and deeply committed activist.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was spotted shaking hands with RET member Ace Magashule. We all know the beef between Magashule and the President is too deep. Magashule has been spewing bile about Ramaphosa lately, and one wouldn't think the two could stand being in one room. But shaking hands! Duarte's passing has become a reunion of some sort. Even Minister Aron Motsoaledi looked surprised as the two exchanged a warm handshake. Other figures who were spotted chatting are Gwede Mantashe and Carl Niehaus. Just a few days Mantashe lashed out at Niehaus, who had organized a march against Ramaphosa. Mantashe called Niehaus a hired gun who did not belong anywhere. It was unexpected and beautiful to see these figures being civil with each other.
Jessie Duarte was an outspoken RET member. She believed in loyalty to the ruling party. Jessie Duarte defended Zuma in the NEC when it was not fashionable. She criticizes Zondo and the constitutional court judges for "thuggishly" arresting Zuma illegally. Even though she was not happy with the arrest of Zuma, she continued to serve under Ramaphosa with respect! She should be smiling in heaven to see the ANC members civilly at her send-off.
ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, spoke highly of Jessie Duarte. "We have lost Comrade Jessie at the wrong time. We would have loved to have her more now when the ANC is going through challenging times," Mantashe said. Paul Mashatile was also spotted chatting with the President. The two discussed how they received the news of Duarte's passing at around two o'clock in the morning.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived at the family home of the late Ambassador Jessie Duarte, Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress. The President has designated the funeral of the struggle stalwart as a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which will be held today. Duarte passed away early on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. Duarte was known for being outspoken and not shying away from the official line. Tributes on social media have described her as a fierce, brutal and deeply committed activist.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was spotted shaking hands with RET member Ace Magashule. We all know the beef between Magashule and the President is too deep. Magashule has been spewing bile about Ramaphosa lately, and one wouldn't think the two could stand being in one room. But shaking hands! Duarte's passing has become a reunion of some sort. Even Minister Aron Motsoaledi looked surprised as the two exchanged a warm handshake. Other figures who were spotted chatting are Gwede Mantashe and Carl Niehaus. Just a few days Mantashe lashed out at Niehaus, who had organized a march against Ramaphosa. Mantashe called Niehaus a hired gun who did not belong anywhere. It was unexpected and beautiful to see these figures being civil with each other.
Jessie Duarte was an outspoken RET member. She believed in loyalty to the ruling party. Jessie Duarte defended Zuma in the NEC when it was not fashionable. She criticizes Zondo and the constitutional court judges for "thuggishly" arresting Zuma illegally. Even though she was not happy with the arrest of Zuma, she continued to serve under Ramaphosa with respect! She should be smiling in heaven to see the ANC members civilly at her send-off.
ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, spoke highly of Jessie Duarte. "We have lost Comrade Jessie at the wrong time. We would have loved to have her more now when the ANC is going through challenging times," Mantashe said. Paul Mashatile was also spotted chatting with the President. The two discussed how they received the news of Duarte's passing at around two o'clock in the morning.
