INSIDE POLITICS REPORTER
President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement he is saddened by the passing of veteran anti-apartheid activist, Blance La Guma, at the age of 95.
The President extended his condolences to the family, friends, comrades and associates of the late veteran in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Cuba, where she lived at various stages of her life.
La Guma, who was a midwife by profession, was instrumental in the formation of the Federation of South African Women and conducted underground political activity as a member of the Communist Party in the 1950s.
She was detained in 1957 for mobilising 300 nurses in a protest against the Nursing Act and was later banned.
La Guma and her husband, intellectual and author, Alex La Guma, went into exile in 1966 and she returned to South Africa after the unbanning of the liberation movements.
Born on 30 November 1927 in Athlone, Cape Town, Blanche la Guma’s journey of activism began in her early years. Attending meetings of the Communist Party of South Africa, known since 1953 as the South African Communist Party (SACP), she became an ardent distributor of Party literature, embodying the spirit of dedication and commitment that has defined our struggle.
The SACP said Blanche’s steadfast determination extended beyond her political engagements. In 1950, she embarked on a professional career in nursing, specialising as a midwife at St Monica’s Home, a pioneering institution where Coloured women could receive training as nurses.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Blanche wholeheartedly pursued her studies, driven by her unwavering sense of duty to support her family during tough times.
SACP spokesperson Alex Mashilo said the South African Communist Party mourns the loss of a remarkable comrade whose resilience, dedication, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our struggle for a just and egalitarian society.
“Blanche la Guma’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of liberation, democracy, and socialism will continue to inspire generations to come,” Mashilo said.
“Blanche La Guma was in the vanguard of a succession of activists who mobilised communities on the Cape Flats against apartheid.
“She was a health professional who contributed to the development of her profession in her home city and the United Kingdom where she worked in exile.
“Blanche La Guma’s sacrifices and impact should inspire all of us to take a deeper interest in the history of our liberation and to develop a greater appreciation of the extraordinary roles ordinary played to fight for change in our society in the world. May her soul rest in peace,” said Ramaphosa.
INSIDE POLITICS
