SACP BIDS FAREWELL TO COMRADE SYLVIA "MAMZA" BENJAMIN
Klerksdorp. 05 January 2012.
MESSAGE OF THE SACP PEC AT THE FUNERAL OF COMRADE MAMZA:
The SACP in the North West joins millions of South Africans in paying tribute to one of the great veterans of our struggle, Comrade Sylvia Motlagomang "Mamza" Benjamin. Comrade Mamza was a leader of the SACP in the North West from the time of the then Western Transvaal. She contributed immensely to the establishment of Party structures after the unbanning of the Communist Party and the liberation organizations. She served as a PEC member until 2007. Even after she was no more part of the SACP PEC, she continued to provide leadership and guidance to Party structures.
As we bid Comrade Mamza farewell, we are reminded of her contributions not only to the Communist Party but to all Alliance structures especially the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Comrade Mamza is one of the founding members of the NUM. She served NUM in different capacities including being its National Treasurer between 1985- 1987, having been the only woman to have been an office-bearer of NUM in its 30 years history.
Mamza was also a key leader of the UDF in the Western Transvaal and the first Chairperson of the ANC Women's League. She was part of the team of ANC Councilors in the City of Matlosana between 1994 and 2005. Comrade Mamza was passionate about the Rights of Children and Older Persons hence she was elected to be part of the Children‘s Rights Committee as well as a Patron of the Matlosana Senior Citizens' Association which she founded in 2006. In 2010 she was elected to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC Veterans' League.
Comrade Mamza is a true embodiment of both the history and the struggle of the workers and the working class in South Africa. She was a reservoir of revolutionary knowledge, a pillar of wisdom for our structures but most importantly a mother to all the cadres of our movement.
As the SACP, we are proud to have had such a loyal and dedicated leader of our people. Her contribution to the building of a better South Africa is incomparable. We will continue to draw inspiration from the life of Comrade Benjamin in taking forward the fight against capitalism. As we bury Comrade Mamza's remains, we will surely gain further strength to build a Socialist order. We will be more resolute in ensuring that the developmental needs of our people are addressed and further continue to fight against corruption.
The SACP sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and relatives of Comrade Sylvia Mamza Benjamin. We share your loss and wish you strength during this difficult period.
Long Live the Spirit of Comrade Mamza Benjamin!!!
Issued by SACP North West PEC, January 7 2012
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