Jessie Duarte: Death of SA activist 'great loss' - ANC

South African political activist Jessie Duarte has died at the age of 68.

Ms Duarte who was a long-serving member of the governing African National Congress died after suffering from cancer, the ANC announced in a statement.

She was the party’s deputy secretary general and a veteran politician.

Ms Duarte served as Nelson Mandela’s personal assistant from 1990-1994 after his release from prison.

“The passing of Comrade Jessie is a great loss, not only to the family but to the democratic movement and the country as a whole,” National ANC Spokesperson, Pule Mabe, said in a statement.

Those who knew her personally had previously described her deep love for the ANC and its leaders. This led her to be fiercely loyal, but she was criticised for standing by Jacob Zuma during his presidency, despite some questionable actions when he was in office.

She will be buried later on Sunday according to Muslim rites.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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