President Cyril Ramaphosa designated the funeral of struggle stalwart and ambassador Yasmin “Jessie” Duarte, as a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which will be held later today.

Duarte was a long-time anti-apartheid activist who served as Special Assistant to former President Nelson Mandela and struggle stalwart Walter Sisulu.

In 1994 she was appointed to the Gauteng Provincial government as a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Safety and Security. Between 1999 and 2003, she served as South Africa’s Ambassador to the Republic of Mozambique.

Until her untimely passing Duarte was serving as Deputy Secretary General of the governing African National Congress following her election in 2012 and she was a member of its National Executive Committee, a role she occupied since 1997.

Ramaphosa wishes to pass his condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Duarte, who dedicated her life to the liberation of South Africa and particularly the emancipation of women.

The president will deliver the eulogy at the funeral this afternoon.