Issued by Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
6 May 2003
The North West Provincial Government and indeed the rest of South Africa learned and noted with deepest sorrow and broken roar the untimely death of Isithwalandwe Walter Max Ulyate Sisulu, a giant of the liberation struggle and one of the founding fathers of our young democracy in South Africa.
Ntate Sisulu passed away yesterday evening (5 May 2003) after a long illness. Sisulu served the ANC as Secretary-General and Deputy President. He was an African patriot, a father figure and a gifted advisor par excellence whose heroism, humility and leadership earned him the respect and love of millions of people in South Africa and the rest of the world. " I am deeply touched and left speechless by the passing away of a great statesman, a teacher and a real revolutionary Ntate Sisulu," said North West Premier Popo Molefe.
Walter Sisulu stood and still stands for the undying spirit of our movement and our young democracy, which he undividedly helped to build and defend. Banishments, detentions and incarcerations failed to bend or bow him, nor could the new challenges daunt him. He remained a living example of what volunteerism and total selfness to the country's cause mean. His statesman like advices, sharp and revolutionary intellectual inputs and meticulous listening abilities shaped by the "Great University of Robben Island" will be sadly missed, concluded Molefe.
A true people's teacher has fallen - but in victory and not in vain. His family does not grieve alone. The entire peoples of South Africa mourn and celebrate the death and life of Ntate Walter Sisulu. The North West Premier, Dr Popo Simon Molefe, the NW Provincial Government and the entire peoples of the province send their heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Sisulu family especially our beloved Mama Albertina Sisulu, friends, relatives and the ANC at this moment of sorrow. Hamba Kahle Qawe la Maqawe!!
Contact person: Barba Gaoganediwe. 0832584945 / 018) 3874271 or kgaoganediwe@nwpg.org.za