Premier Sisi Ntombela’s words come after learning about the untimely death of Duarte. At the time of her passing, Duarte was tasked by the party to step up as the Acting Secretary-General after the former Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, was suspended following his indictment by the Hawks for the asbestos criminal case. 

However, Ntombela stated that Duarte has been unwell for some time and her ailment saw her stepping away from her responsibilities as the Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC as they remained hopeful that she would get better. Ntombela says their optimism was informed by the type of person Duarte was - a fighter.

She adds that Duarte was very stern, consistent, and never shied away from expressing her opinion. She embodied the caliber of comrades that they all aspire to be. Ntombela says Duarte’s death comes at a time that the ANC is going through a turbulent period in a quest for the party’s renewal against problems that require leaders of her caliber.

OFM News