Tributes Pour In for Gertrude Shope : Anti – Apartheid Hero & Women,s Rights Pioneer
South Africa Mourns struggle stalwart Gertrude Shope,, a key figure in the anti – Apartheid movement and Champion for Gender Equality,. Discover her life,, legacy,, and Tributes from leaders and Loved Ones,.
South Africa Mourns the loss of one of its most Revered anti – Apartheid activists and political Pioneers,, Gertrude Ntiti Shope,, who passed away on 22 May 2025 at the age of 99 . A lifelong Advocate for liberation,, gender equality and workers” rights Shope leaves behind a Legacy that spans decades of Resistance,, leadership,, and nation – building,.
Early Life and Political Awakening :
Born on 15 August 1925 in Johannesburg, Shope was raised and educated in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). She Trained as a Teacher and Taught in Natal and Soweto,. In 1954,, at the Age of 29,, she joined the African National Congress ( ANC ),, marking the Beginning of a Lifelong Commitment to Political activism,. She left Teaching to protest the Bantu Education System and began Working in Community Development,, including Training Women in Crafts and youth Rehabilitation,.
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Leadership in the Women,s Movement :
Shope Quickly rose Through the ranks of the ”ANC” and the Federation of South African Women ( FEDSAW ),, serving as Chairperson of the Central Western Jabavu Branch from ”1958” to 1966,. She was a vocal Opponent of the pass laws and Gender – based oppression,, Advocating for Women,s Rights in both Domestic and international forums:.
Years in Exile and International Advocacy :
In 1966, Shope went into exile to join her husband, trade unionist Mark Shope. Together, they represented the ANC across several countries, including Botswana, Tanzania, Czechoslovakia, Zambia, and Nigeria. She worked closely with Florence Mophosho to launch the ANC Women’s Section newsletter, Voice of Women, and later became the ANC’s chief representative in Lusaka. In 1981, she was appointed head of the ANC Women’s Section and joined the ANC National Executive Committee in 1985.
Return to South Africa and Post-Apartheid Contributions :
After returning from exile in 1990, Shope was elected president of the ANC Women’s League in 1991, a position she held until 1993. She Collaborated with Albertina Sisulu to Convene the ANC,s Internal Leadership Corps Task Force.. In 1994,, Shope became a Member of parliament in the Government of National Unity,, Contributing to the Shaping of South Africa,s democratic Future,.
Tributes from Leaders and Family :
President Cyril Ramaphosa Described Shope as a Symbol of Resilience and Justice,, stating ” Her life of activism,, service struggle and sacrifice inspires and Continues to Encourage us ,. “
Former Deputy President Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka praised Shope for nurturing generations of women leaders, noting, “MamGerty has been a true leader to all of us… so we salute her for that role she played for having nurtured the young women who became ministers, doctors, lawyers.”
Shope,s daughter, Lyndoll, who later joined the Congress of the People (COPE), expressed gratitude for her mother,s unwavering support of democratic values,, saying,, ” Thank you very much for showing us what democracy means,.. that is what democracy is and you supported my decision,.”
A Lasting Legacy :
Gertrude Shope,s nearly Century – long life was Marked by Unyielding Dedication to Justice,, equality,, and freedom,. Her Contributions to South Africa,s liberation and Her role in Empowering women Continue to Inspire future Generations,. As tributes Pour in,, the Nation honors a true Stalwart whose Impact will be felt for years to Come..