SEDIBENG.- The African National Congress (ANC) in Sedibeng is mourning the passing of their stalwart member Mama Maria Radebe (69) who passed on at Vereeniging Medi Clinics on Friday (10 March).
“Mama” Radebe as she was popularly known, was the mother of the ANC Sedibeng Regionals Treasure, Johnny “Mkhonto” Radebe. In a media statement, the ANC Sedibeng Regional Secretary, Jason Mkhwane described Mama Radebe as one of the loyal members of the ANC till her last day. Mkhwane said Mama Radebe served the organization with distinctions.
“As the ANC Sedibeng Region we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family, comrades, and friends of Mama Radebe. The ANC in Sedibeng continues to pray for the family and wish them strength as they go through this challenging period of losing their matriarch, the rock which they have relied on for many years. We are saddened today as the region due to this painful loss.”
Radebe leaves behind two children “Mkhonto” and Nokuthula and twelve grandchildren. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Mkhonto Radebe, who is the second born of Mama Radebe said his mother will be missed for the role she played in his life and his children. Radebe (Mkhonto) told Sedibeng Ster how his mother used to stand up for him when he was harassed by the then Murder and Robbery Unit.
“My mother would stand up for me when those Murder and Robbery Unit came to our house looking for me but she wouldn’t let them do as they wish. She served this organization with loyalty and she died in the gold and black colours of the ANC. We will all remember her for her love and caring and she raised giants. She had no formal education but raised giants,” Rest in pace Mama, you have run the race, and it is up to us to continue where you left off,” concluded Radebe (Mkhonto).
# Mama Radebe will be laid to rest on Saturday and the funeral service will be in CE4 in Vanderbijlpark from 8:00 – 11:00.
