Acting
President David Mabuza has, on behalf of government and the people of South
Africa, conveyed his deepest condolences following the sad passing of Umkhonto
we Sizwe veteran and pioneer businesswoman, Dr Thandi Cynthia Ndlovu.
Dr Ndlovu
passed away on Saturday in a car accident.
She ran
the fulcrum of the struggle for the liberation of South Africa, sacrificing her
education to join the African National Congress (ANC) and its military wing
Umkhonto we Sizwe at an early age. She later became a senior political
commissar responsible for literacy and education and a Military Commander while
in exile.
Upon her
return from exile, she ran a private medical practice and delivered medical
services to a population of 200 000 people in informal settlements.
In 2007
she established Motheo Construction, one of South Africa’s first leading black
female-owned construction companies and leading provider of social housing in
the country.
Dr Ndlovu
received various awards in her work and continued to be a leading example to
those who came after her, both in academic pursuit and as a leading
businesswoman.
The
Presidency said she led an impeccable life as a political activist and a champion
for women empowerment.
Her life
symbolised a struggle of rising against any odds, which she cemented in
business leadership as well as taking on a human challenge of summiting the
highest peak in Africa – the Mount Kilimanjaro.
“It is
indeed a sad time in our nation to lose such a phenomenal woman and leader of
the people.
“Dr
Ndlovu has been at the forefront of almost all our women empowerment
initiatives, wherein she pioneered the black economic empowerment and was
foremost in the peace and reconstruction efforts of our country and continent.
“She
played a key role in promoting dialogue for sustainable peace and development
in the Great Lakes region.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Ndlovu family – for their loss is our loss too. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” said Acting President Mabuza. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/condolences-following-passing-dr-thandi-ndlovu
