Ruth Mompati
| Doctor Ruth Mompati | |
|---|---|
| Member of Parliament, South African ambassador and mayor | |
| Typist for Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo | |
|
In office 1953–1961 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
14 September 1925 North West Province |
| Died |
12 May 2015 (aged 89) Cape Town |
| Nationality | South African |
| Political party | African National Congress |
| Alma mater | Tygerkloof Teachers Training College |
Ruth Mompati (14 September 1925 – 12 May 2015) was a South African politician and one of the leaders of the Women’s March on 9 August 1956.[1]
Early life and education
Ruth Mompati was born in the North West Province. After completing standard 6, she worked for a white family and later went to Tygerkloof Teachers Training College.
Career
From 1953 to 1961 she worked as a typist for Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo in their law practice in Johannesburg.[2] She joined the African National Congress in 1954, and was elected to the National Executive Committee of the Women’s League.[1]
She was elected as a member of parliament in South Africa's first democratic election in 1994, appointed ambassador to Switzerland from 1996 to 2000, became mayor of Vryburg after returning, and served as an executive member of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Veteran's Association.[1][2]
Death
She died on 12 May 2015 following an illness at a Cape Town hospital.[3][1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Ruth Mompati - South African History Online". sahistory.org.za.
- 1 2 "The Spirit of Freedom". cdlib.org.
- ↑ "South Africa mourns struggle stalwart Ruth Mompati". southafrica.info.