The funeral service of African National Congress (ANC) veteran Rebecca Kotane is currently under way in Phela village near Zeerust in the North West. The widow of SACP General-Secretary and ANC Treasurer-General Moses Kotane died at the age of 108 last Sunday following a long illness.
Ma Kotane as she was affectionately called played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for liberation. She is remembered for her participation in the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has accorded her a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2.
On Friday, Ramaphosa visited the Kotane family:
Amongst those who are expected to attend her funeral service are former President Kgalema Motlanthe, SACP Secretary-General Blade Nzimande and North West Premier Job Mokgoro.
Rebecca Kotane will be buried next to her husband.
Members of the Kotane family say there should be equality among the people of South Africa in order to preserve the legacy of their parents.
Kotane played a crucial role in the country’s struggle for liberation. Her son Sam Kotane explains how he would like her to be remembered.
“So we wish that their legacy represents integrity, the good of the country, that selflessness on behalf of the people of South Africa and should not forget where we come from in that the struggle against apartheid and again for equality of all people of South Africa.”
Residents of Phela village pay tribute to the late Rebecca Kotane
