The SACP has learnt with sadness about the passing away of Mrs Gladys Marks, the wife to the late Chairperson of our Party, Uncle JB Marks. Mrs Gladys Marks passed away at Helen Joseph Hospital at 15h45 on 10 January 2000 shortly after having been visited by the General Secretary and National Chairperson of our Party. The SACP wishes to express its deep
felt condolences to the family of JB and Gladys Marks.As the SACP we wish to lower our flag to honour this stalwart who died at the age of 87. Like many spouses, Mrs Marks had to endure more than a decade in the 1960’s of living without her husband who was exiled by the apartheid regime. Much as those who were exiled suffered greatly for being away from home and struggling under very difficult conditions, we sometimes forget the sufferings of spouses who were left behind to keep the fires burning at home. Like many African women, Mrs Gladys Marks had to take the sole responsibility of bringing up the family without the support of a spouse.
The most painful part of the life of Mrs Marks was the death of her husband, Uncle JB,
in exile in Moscow on 1 August 1972. Till this day Uncle JB lies buried at the
Novodevichye Cemetery in Moscow since 11 August 1972. We shared and continue to share the
pain of Mrs Gladys Marks and the family of having a loved one’s remains lying
thousands of kilometres away. This
represents the difficulties facing our movement in being unable to return the bones of our
comrades who died on duty in foreign
countries. We are however comforted by the fact that at 1995 SACP Congress Mrs Marks was
amongst the stalwarts who were officially honoured for their contribution and sacrifices
to the liberation of our country and people.
The SACP, on this sad day, wishes to recall the words of Cde Alfred Nzo at the
graveside of JB Marks on 11 August 1972, that “ when the inevitable victory (against
apartheid tyranny) comes it will bear the stamp of this great figure and his name will be
honoured by our people forever”. Similarly we say the name of Mrs Marks, a great but
humble woman, will also be
remembered for her contribution and sacrifices. Our only comfort is that at least Mrs
Marks lived to see the fruits of the struggle that she and JB devoted their lives to. We
say Hamba Kahle Mam’ Marks, siyohlala sikukhumbula. South African Communists and the
people of our country will always keep fond memories of you.
11 January 2000
Issued by the SACP Department of Information & Publicity
E-Mail: sacp1@wn.apc.org
South African Communist Party Head Office
COSATU House No. 1 Leyds Street
7th Floor Braamfontein 2001
Republic of South Africa
(Tel: 27 11 339-3621/2)
(Fax: 27 11 339-4244)