ANC Statements

In the early hours of Sunday, 17 July 2022, the African National Congress conveyed the news of the passing on of our Deputy Secretary General Comrade Jessie Duarte to our structures and the general public. In line with muslim burial rites, our DSG was laid to rest on the same day at the West Park cemetery in Johannesburg.Following our DSG’s passing, the ANC immediately moved to declare this week a national week of mourning and directed all our provinces and regions to fly ANC flags at half must.

Born and bred in Newclare, Johannesburg, Comrade Yasmin “Jessie” Duarte became actively involved in politics at a young age and developed a reputation as an activist and an advocate for equality over the years. She worked closely with Mama Albertinah Sisulu, who recruited her into the MDM, to establish women’s structures throughout the country, while serving as the Provincial Secretary of the Federation of Transvaal Women (FEDSAW), which was a UDF Affiliate.

Later Deputy Secretary General, Comrade Jessie Duarte earned her stripes in the MDM, from her days as a youth activist, swelling the ranks of the MDM during her tenure as a PEC Member of the ANC in Gauteng to the higher echelons when she was elected Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC at the 53rd National Conference in Mangaung in December 2012, a position she was re-elected to at the ANC’s 54th National Conference in Nasrec in 2017 and continued to occupy until her untimely passing.

The Late Deputy Secretary General, Comrade Jessie Duarte was epitome of the calibre of what the ANC sought for when they called for the ‘Decade of the Cadre” at the Mangaung conference; a cadre of stoical discipline who lived amongst her people and spoke their language.

The DSG served her country and her people with great humility at various levels in government as well as in the Diplomatic community as South Africa’s High Commissioner to Mozambique. She was an all round accomplished communicator and served her organisation, the ANC, in various capacities including as National Spokesperson.

She was a colossal giant whose track record in the struggle was unparalleled; a human rights activist and leader of absolute conviction to the cause. Like the warrior women who burnt their passes in 1913, and as the defiant women who marched on the Union Buildings in 1956, Comrade DSG was determined that women should occupy their rightful place in the struggle for national liberation.

We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of this selfless and loyal servant of the people, Yasmin “Jessie” Duarte. Hamba Kahle Mbokodo.

As part of the national week of mourning, a number of activities have been planned culminating into a National Memorial Service scheduled to take place on Thursday the 21st of July 2022 at the Johannesburg City Hall.

Condolence books are also available at our provincial offices for both our members and the general public who may wish to convey their condolence message in person.

From tomorrow, Wednesday 20 July 2022, a number of National executive committee members including other veterans of our struggle for liberation as well as others who worked with Comrade Jessie in various capacities will be conducting media engagements reflecting on the life and times of this gallant freedom fighter of our people.