By Simon Nare
Freedom fighter, gay rights activist and former Secretary General of the National Union of South African Student (NUSAS), Shiela Barsel, who has dedicated her entire adult life towards the liberation of South Africa has passed on. She was 82.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions, which announced her death on Sunday, described her commitment to the struggle as critical to the liberation since her days of student activism, from when she worked with the Pan Africanist Steve Biko to unions and the gay community during the dark days of apartheid.
The federation conveyed its condolences to the family, friends and the activism community “during this painful period”.
“Her commitment to the struggle saw her play critical roles in countless formations over 64 years, from her time as a young student at Wits University in the 1960s to her much-delayed retirement in Observatory, Cape Town.
“This journey started with the values she learned from her own family, many of whom were active members of the Communist Party of South Africa and the Congress of Democrats,” said the federation.
Barcelona was born to a Jewish Orthodox family with an uncle and aunt who were active in the South African Communist Party (SACP).
A prominent anti-apartheid stalwart, LGBTQ activist, human rights pioneer, feminist, unionist and dedicated public health advocate, she also worked as an activist with the National Union of South African Students, at which she served as general secretary and editor of its newspaper, where she worked with Biko.
This led to the apartheid regime imposing a five-year ban for particularly embracing the ANC, the tripartite alliance and the broader liberation movement.
“Her spirit of activism saw her become an active member of the United Democratic Front and its affiliates, including the End Conscription Campaign. With the unbanning of the liberation movement, Sheila helped to build the “ANC Cissy Gool Branch in her community, Observatory, and was a member of the South African Communist Party’s Central Committee and Politburo for many years,” said Cosatu.
The federation paid tribute to her for having played a role in post-apartheid era, where she played a crucial role in formulating ANC health policies as well as serving as health advisor for the Western Cape provincial government and later as part of the ministerial task team that formulated the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Her recorded final chapter as an activist was as working as a researcher for the National Health, Education and Allied Workers’ Union parliamentary office and as advisor to Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lechesa Tsenoli.
COSATU described her dedication as tireless in her opposition to the genocide being committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza and elsewhere. Sheila was a humble, tireless, dedicated and principled activist.
“She sought nothing more than to serve the nation and expected no rewards bar the liberation and emancipation of the people, in particular the poor. South Africa has been blessed to produce such gallant yet unsung heroes such as Sheila. Thank you, comrade Sheila, for your many years of tireless sacrifices. Rest in peace,” said Cosatu in its tribute.
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