President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep condolences at the passing of Rivonia Trialist Denis Goldberg.
Goldberg passed away on Wednesday.
Goldberg received a National Order for his commitment to the struggle against apartheid and service to the people of South Africa.
“My thoughts are with Denis Goldberg’s family and his comrades around the country and around the world,” says a statement from the Presidency.
“This is a sad moment for our nation and a moment for all of us to appreciate Denis Goldberg’s brave dedication to our Struggle and his lifelong activism in the interest of – and in the physical presence of – poor and vulnerable communities around our country,” adds the President.
Social users have also expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Goldberg family, with some sharing their fondest memories with the struggle stalwart.
This morning at it’s virtual meeting , the #Coronavirus National Command Council , led by President @CyrilRamaphosa , observed a moment of silence in respect of our departed leader , stalwart and Isithwalandwe #DenisGoldberg . Sincere condolences to the family , #RIP leader .
— Minister Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) April 30, 2020
A true stalwart has left us. A man who suffered a lot to bring democracy to South Africa. Also one of the most gentle and dear persons I have met. We will miss you #DenisGoldberg RIP @AfricaSweMFA pic.twitter.com/oNqI7S3epT
— Cecilia Julin (@AmbassadorJulin) April 30, 2020
The African National Congress (ANC) says it’s deeply saddened by the passing of one of the party’ stalwarts of the struggle for liberation, Denis Goldberg. In a statement, the party said Goldberg belonged to that illustrious generation of freedom fighters, who were prepared to sacrifice all and lay down their lives in the struggle for liberation. It sent its condolences to Goldberg family, his friends and comrades.
The Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation sends our condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of Rivonia trialist & ardent freedom fighter, Denis Goldberg. His contribution to the struggle for freedom & justice in our country will forever be remembered. May His Soul RIP. pic.twitter.com/RszDXD01fu
— Tambo Foundation (@TamboFoundation) April 30, 2020
One of the two remaining Rivonia Trialists has left us. A struggle icon, a committed democrat and member of the people’s movement till the end. A life well lived ??? Lala ngoxolo mkhonto ?? #DenisGoldberg pic.twitter.com/v5heqRAAMJ
— Nonceba Mhlauli (@NoncebaMhlauli) April 30, 2020
#DenisGoldberg A great, great tree has fallen. A truly amazing human being, an activist who spoke truth to power right until the end. One of the most selfless people I have ever known. Hamba kahle Mkhonto. Qhawe lamaqhawe. https://t.co/HAxX6AdG5k
— Elinor Sisulu (@ElinorSisulu) April 30, 2020
The Nelson Mandela Foundation says South Africa has lost another true patriot, someone who was a friend of Nelson Mandela and a stalwart of struggle.
“Most of Ntate Goldberg’s life was dedicated to the struggle against apartheid and the building of democracy. He was a member of a generation of leadership which shaped the country’s history in profound ways. In later years he challenged the direction our democracy was taking, initially critiquing the country’s macroeconomic policies and then challenging state capture during the years of cronyism and looting.
“We at the Foundation got to know him through his close contact with Madiba and through his participation in our projects.” “He was our friend,” Chief Executive Sello Hatang reflects.
