07 October 2008
Last night the SACP received the news that Cde Esther Barsel, the SACP stalwart’s heart has ceased to beat. Cde Esther, we were told, is no more and will be buried midday today.
The SACP is pained and saddened by her untimely departure. We had lived in the discomfort of her illness in the past few years and thus missed her tenacity in our meetings. At the time of her death, Cde Esther had dedicated all her life to serving the people of our country and associated with the struggle for the liberation of our country when it was not fashionable to do so.
We have lost a giant! We have lost a selfless and brave female cadre of our movement. We dip our banners in her honour!
No amount of words can best express our deep felt condolences to the family and thank them for allowing her to be our sister, grandmother, mother and comrade.
Cde Esther hated exploitation. As she was laid to rest today, we commit to deepen our struggles against exploitation of one man by the other. We begin this year’s Red October Campaign more committed to deepen participatory democracy in our country in honour of this democrat whose life she dedicated and shared with us.
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson - 082 226 1802