She died a lonely death in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a long illness, according to PAC president Narius Moloto.
Many have put the blame squarely on the ruling party ANC for not honouring her legacy and et al, but what is most critical was she did not feature in the long list of struggle icons honoured, regrettably.
PAC should also take blame for not doing much in recognizing her and other living icons of the struggle.
Even today’s generations, yours truly, included did not know much about umama Veronica’s history until recently.
She was a health practitioner who met husband Dr Sobukwe at Fort Hare University. They had four children.
Moloto indicated they will meet this week with family to discuss burial.
In its message of condolences the ANC said:” A struggle stalwart in her own right, she endured pain, rejection and immense suffering visited on her by the racist apartheid regime which she overtly challenged through her writings, demanding the release of her husband who was incarcerated by the illegitimate regime.
Mama Zondeni was this year bestowed with the National Order of Luthuli for her anti-apartheid activism. National Orders are awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy as well as human rights.
The African National Congress extends its heartfelt condolences to the Sobukwe family, her friends and the Pan Africanist Congress on their loss.”
Other political parties have also sent messages of condolences to the family.
In an effort to give voice to Mama Sobukwe, the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust, in partnership with the Blackhouse Kollective, will host a tribute lecture in her honour during Women’s Month at the Mofolo Arts Centre on Saturday, 12th August 2017.
She had turned 91 in July.
We wish Mama Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe divine blessings as she celebrates 90 years of struggle, suffering and sacrifice.
Rest in Peace mama…
