Issued by: ANC
The African National Congress mourns the death of veteran activist Cde. Gladys Marks, widow of former chairman of the South African Communist Party and ANC stalwart and Treasurer-General, Cde. J.B. Marks.
Cde Gladys Marks died this afternoon of a stroke. She was 87 years old.
The ANC expresses its most heartfelt condolences on the fate of our comrade and friend, and pays homage to her for the valiant role she played in the fight against apartheid oppression and for freedom, democracy and justice.
The movement is in veneration of the extraordinary depth of her convictions, which saw her persecuted, harassed and separated for years from her husband. These challenges did not deter her from her convictions, but made her even more resolute.
The people of South Africa are forever indebted to Comrades such as Cde Gladys who never faltered in the struggle, and to whom much of the liberation, which we now enjoy must be credited.
It is through the commitment and efforts of loyal revolutionaries like her, that the foundation of peace, justice and freedom has been laid upon which we now build our new society and a better life for all.
In our continued efforts to meet the needs and aspirations of all the people of South Africa, we draw strength and inspiration from the heroes and heroines of our struggle. The examples they set serve to reinvigorate us with the revolutionary passion and commitment needed to continue our just fight in realising a better life for all. The memory of Cde Gladys is motivational to each and every one of us.
We will always remember her. Our condolences go out all family and friends.
Issued by Smuts Ngonyama Head of Presidency and Communication
African National Congress
51 Plein Street Johannesburg
10 January 2000