Honouring the life of Theresa Solomon

A great tree has fallen. A baobab has been cut down. Who is going to protect us now from the great African sun? African soil will feel your footsteps no more.

- ALICIA ENGLISH [e-mail]

With these words, Jeremia Thuynsma, executive director of the Mitchell's Plain Advice Office, paid tribute to revered anti-apartheid activist Theresa Solomon, 79, who died on Monday, July 7.

According to her family spokesperson Neil Cole, Ms Solomon passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

“Born in Cape Town in 1945, Theresa dedicated her life to the struggle for justice and equality. From organising communities on the Cape Flats to serving as Cape Town’s first black female mayor and later as South Africa’s high commissioner to Tanzania and Canada, her unwavering commitment to social justice uplifted countless lives.

“Fondly known as ‘Com T’, Theresa was a tireless champion of community empowerment and youth leadership.

“She will be remembered for her courage, humility, and love for the people of South Africa,” her family said in a statement.