Fare thee well Frene Ginwala – ‘pioneer of women’s rights’

Former speaker of the National Assembly Dr Frene Ginwala who passed away recently was remembered during a moving memorial service in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 24 January. President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his tribute to Ginwala that she will be remembered as a pioneer of women's rights. "She was instrumental in setting up the ANC’s first office in exile, establishing the base from which – over the coming decades – the organisation would forge what was probably the most powerful international solidarity movement of our time. "For three decades, she was a vital part of that movement, whether in Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, the United Kingdom or wherever else her assignments took her. On whatever platform, given whatever opportunity, Frene Ginwala was an eloquent and persuasive champion of the cause of the South African people. With her keen intellect, her measured delivery and her clear articulation of the principles and the purpose of our struggle, she felled many a critic and earned many a friend. Through her writings, whether as a journalist, an academic or an activist, she provided both incisive critique and clear vision. She told us what was wrong with the world and, most importantly, how it could be better. Frene Ginwala will be remembered as a pioneer of women’s rights." Photo: GCIS