Albertina Sisulu Biography – Who is Albertina Sisulu? Albertina Sisulu OMSG (née Nontsikelelo Thethiwe; 21 October 1918 – 2 June 2011) was a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and a key member of the African National Congress (ANC). Known affectionately as Ma Sisulu, she played a vital role in the struggle against apartheid and was a founding co-president of the United Democratic Front. This biography delves into her life, achievements, and contributions to South African history.
Albertina Sisulu Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu (née Thethiwe) |
| Date of Birth | 21 October 1918 |
| Date of Death | 2 June 2011 |
| Age at Death | 92 years |
| Nationality | South African |
| Tribe | Xhosa (Mfengu) |
| Net Worth | Not disclosed |
| Education | Qualified as a nurse and midwife |
| Occupation | Nurse, Midwife, Activist |
| Spouse | Walter Sisulu |
| Notable Roles | Founding co-president of the UDF, ANC leader |
Early Life and Background
Albertina Sisulu was born on 21 October 1918 in the Tsomo district of the Transkei. She was one of five children born to Bonilizwe and Monikazi Thethiwe, who owned a small farm in Xolobe, Eastern Cape. After her father’s death when she was 11, and due to her mother’s prolonged illness from the Spanish flu, Sisulu took on the role of caretaker for her younger siblings.
Sisulu and her siblings spent much of their childhood with their maternal grandparents in the village of Xolobe. It was here that she began her education at a Presbyterian mission school, which laid the foundation for her future pursuits.
Albertina Sisulu Education and Career
Albertina Sisulu qualified as a nurse in 1944 and later became a midwife. Her move to Johannesburg in 1940 marked the beginning of her professional career and her deeper involvement in the anti-apartheid movement. Her association with Walter Sisulu, a real estate agent and ANC activist, greatly influenced her political awakening.
Political Activism
Sisulu’s political engagement intensified after her marriage to Walter Sisulu, who was later imprisoned in the Rivonia Trial. She became a prominent community leader in Soweto during the 1980s, playing a key role in the establishment of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the revival of the Federation of South African Women.
Challenges and Banning Orders
Between 1964 and 1989, Albertina Sisulu faced a near-continuous string of banning orders and was subjected to intermittent detention without trial. She faced criminal charges on three occasions:
- 1958: Acquitted of violating pass laws.
- 1984: Convicted of violating the Suppression of Communism Act.
- 1985: Acquitted of violating the Internal Security Act in the Pietermaritzburg Treason Trial.
Post-Apartheid Contributions
After the end of apartheid, Sisulu served as a representative of the ANC in the first democratic Parliament until her retirement from politics in 1999. She also held the position of deputy president of the ANC Women’s League from 1991 to 1993 and was a member of the ANC National Executive Committee from 1991 to 1994.
Personal Life
Albertina Sisulu married Walter Sisulu, and together they became a formidable force in the fight against apartheid. Known as the “mother of the nation,” she was a beloved figure in South Africa. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, Sisulu remained dedicated to her family and her cause.
Albertina Sisulu Net Worth
While Albertina Sisulu’s net worth is not disclosed, her legacy is measured by her immense contributions to the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa.
FAQs
1. Who is Albertina Sisulu? Albertina Sisulu was a South African anti-apartheid activist and a key member of the ANC, known for her significant contributions to the struggle against apartheid.
2. When was Albertina Sisulu born? Albertina Sisulu was born on 21 October 1918.
3. How old was Albertina Sisulu when she died? Albertina Sisulu was 92 years old when she passed away on 2 June 2011.
4. What tribe did Albertina Sisulu belong to? Albertina Sisulu belonged to the Xhosa tribe (Mfengu).
5. What was Albertina Sisulu’s role in the anti-apartheid movement? Albertina Sisulu was a founding co-president of the United Democratic Front, a leader in the ANC, and played a key role in the revival of the Federation of South African Women.
6. What was Albertina Sisulu’s educational background? Albertina Sisulu qualified as a nurse in 1944 and later as a midwife.
7. What challenges did Albertina Sisulu face during her activism? Albertina Sisulu faced numerous banning orders, intermittent detention without trial, and criminal charges on three occasions during her activism.
Conclusion
Albertina Sisulu’s life is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the fight for justice and equality. Her contributions to the anti-apartheid movement and her role as a community leader have left an indelible mark on South African history. Sisulu’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to strive for a more just and equitable society
