Speaker, we in Cope wish to join our voices with those of others in this honourable House to pay tribute to an admired colleague. It was with profound sadness that we received news of the passing away of Comrade Bertha Gxowa, a true struggle warrior. She died on 19 November 2010 as a result of postsurgery complications.
Comrade Bertha played a distinguished role in fighting for freedom and strengthening the role of women in our political life. In 1956, she helped to establish the Federation of South African Women. It was this federation which organised the historic Women's March against pass laws. She travelled the length and breadth of the country, along with Helen Joseph and others, to collect petitions that were to be delivered to the Union Buildings.
Such was her commitment to freedom that she was arrested and was a defendant during the Treason Trial in 1960. Not surprisingly, she was banned under the Suppression of Communism Act for 11 years.
After that, she joined the SA National Tuberculosis Association, Santa, doing community work; and for a while was a member of the trade union movement.
She eventually became a Member of Parliament and was actively involved with the ANC Women's League where she was chairperson of the Gauteng province and later the national treasurer. In Parliament she served with distinction on a number of committees. I can truly say that I was privileged to serve with her on the Portfolio Committees on Health, and Foreign Affairs, and the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests and in many ad hoc committees. Bertha brought to the committees the zeal of a campaigner, the passion of a reformer and the intensity of a selfless leader.
Comrade Bertha made a lasting contribution to the emancipation of women in South Africa through her participation in many NGOs, including her immense contribution as national chairperson of the Malibongwe Women's Development project. Her great strength came from an indomitable spirit, persevering integrity and spiritual righteousness.
She has passed on, but her legacy will endure. We as Cope extend our sincerest condolences to the ANC, the many organisations she served and the many people who held her dear. To her family we say, we understand the depth of your bereavement, but at the same time we believe that you should also celebrate the worth of her life and the positive impact on our country of her existence.
Today, with one voice, we say to this stalwart of the liberation struggle: "Hamba kakuhle, Comrade Bertha Gxowa." Sithi kusapho lwakhe: "Thuthuzelekani lusapho lwakwaGxowa, uThixo anomeleze." Enkosi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] ["Farewell, Comrade Bertha Gxowa." To her family, the Gxowa family, we say: "Please be comforted and may God give you all the strength you need." Thank you. [Applause.]]