Mbalula said the liberation movement has transformed South Africa from an economy that was designed to cater for a minority. However, he conceded the pressing challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality required the ANC to find new ways to drive transformation and reignite the people.
“We must double our efforts and exercise our determination against corruption and malfeasance in all its manifestations. We continue to make strides towards rebuilding and renewal of the ANC into the glorious movement of integrity that was synonymous with the generation of Mama Sisulu.”
The party remembered Sisulu as one of the towering giants that were the embodiment of the historic values of the ANC.
“We are here to recall the inspirational life around whom generations of cadres could associate as their own. Mama Sisulu belonged to a generation whose mantra was freedom in our lifetime, freedom or death. She belonged to a generation of freedom fighters whose goal was to see the freedom and socioeconomic upliftment of the masses.”
Mbalula said Sisulu’s humility underpinned the simple-mindedness to serve her people even in the face of danger to her person and her family. “As a result, she endured a life without her husband Walter Sisulu, who with other Rivonia trialists were given life sentences and subjected to the harsh conditions of prison.”
The ANC will host a memorial lecture later on Monday.
TimesLIVE