/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Frene Ginwala. On behalf of IFP Founder and President Emeritus, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, IFP President, Hon. Velenkosini Hlabisa, all current and former IFP MPs, and the party at large, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Ginwala family, her friends, and colleagues, as well as all her comrades in the ANC.

Dr Ginwala was an exceptional South African, who dedicated much of her life to the country’s struggle for democracy. In 1994, she was appointed as the first Speaker of South Africa’s democratic Parliament – a role she held for 10 years. She was a model Speaker, who transcended party lines, always putting the people’s best interests first.

During her storied career, she served the nation in various capacities, including as a lawyer, academic, political leader, activist, and journalist. Of special significance is her contribution to the drafting of South Africa's Constitution, heralded across the world and affirming the rights of all to dignity, equality and freedom.

She championed equal rights for all South Africans, in particular the women of our country, receiving the Order of Luthuli in Silver “for her excellent contribution to the struggle against gender oppression and her tireless contribution to the struggle for a non-sexist, non-racial, just and democratic South Africa”.

As the IFP, we wish to acknowledge her life and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.

May she rest in perfect peace.

Issued by IFP