Ramaphosa lauds ‘no nonsense’ Duarte at wreath-laying ceremo
President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed the late ANC secretary-general Jessie Duarte as someone who “refused to take nonsense”.
Ramaphosa spoke at a wreath-laying ceremony for Duarte at the Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg on Monday morning.
Monday marked exactly one year since the passing of Duarte following a battle against cancer.
The 68-year-old Duarte served as deputy secretary-general of the ANC from 2012 and was a member of the party's national executive committee since 2002.
Ramaphosa recalled how Duarte never tolerated “any nonsense” from anyone, regardless of someone’s position in the governing party.
"Many of us will remember her as a very humorous leader but also a very stern one. Jessie Duarte was one of those leaders who did not tolerate any nonsense from ANC leaders. If you spoke out of line, she would immediately pick up the phone and call and not only say ‘what were you thinking about’?
"She would immediately admonish and put you straight in your course once again, regardless of whatever position you occupied. She served comrade Nelson Mandela extremely well, together with other comrades. "
Ramaphosa added that Duarte sought to inspire young people.
"She was a true beacon of hope, and she was a true inspirer, and she strove to inspire many young people. Young women in their multitudes were inspired by comrade Jessie's dedication to our struggle, and she also spent a great deal of time inspiring, empowering young men as well.”
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