Cape Town — Despite their differences, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) came together to send messages of condolences to Thandi Modise following the passing of her daughter, Tsholofelo Mandisa Modise.
Modise, the former Speaker of the National Assembly, gave birth to her daughter in 1980 while she was incarcerated during the fight against the Apartheid regime. Officials attempted to get Modise to give her child up for adoption, EWN reported.
In a moment of solidarity, the ANC and EFF came together and called for society to show support to Modise during this difficult time.
In a statement, the ANC said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Tsholofelo Mandisa Modise, who was a member of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
The part said her birth under such extreme conditions symbolised the pain, sacrifice and resilience of those who fought for South Africa’s freedom.
“Despite this, Comrade Tsholofelo grew to become a selfless and committed young leader within our movement, embodying the values, justice, equality and service to the people, Her unwavering dedication to the ANC and her activism in advancing the cause of the marginalised reflected the revolutionary spirit that defined her family’s legacy,” the party said.
The party said it stood by the Modise family during this difficult time.
ANC Secretary-General, Cde Fikile Mbalula paid a courtesy visit to Cde Thandi Modise to offer condolences on the passing of her daughter, Tsholofelo Mandisa Modise. pic.twitter.com/6MsNvJ5lxP
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) February 23, 2025
The EFF also paid tribute to Tsholofelo and the Modise family following Tsholofelo’s death.
The party said it was an unimaginable loss and mourned alongside the family, saying no parent should have to bury their child.
The party praised Thandi Modise for her leadership and role as a veteran during the struggle and the party echoed the sentiments of the ANC in describing Tsholofelo
“Tsholofelo’s very existence was tied to the struggle for justice, born at a time when black people were subjected to the worst forms of dehumanisation,” the party said.
“We, therefore, call on society to offer support and solidarity to Mama Thandi Modise and her family in the moment of grief,” it added.
The EFF Statement on the Passing of Tsholofelo Mandisa Modise
-This is an unimaginable loss, and we mourn alongside the Modise family in this difficult time. No parent should ever have to endure the pain of burying their child. The grief of such a loss is immeasurable, and we… pic.twitter.com/M3Q0Zzamss
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 23, 2025
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@PhagoAmos
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
