Condolences pour in for struggle icon Lillian Diedericks

Messages of condolences continue to pour in following the passing of the anti-apartheid struggle icon Lillian Diedericks. The 96-year-old Diedericks passed away on Tuesday at home in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Diedericks was part of the women leaders that led the anti-pass march to the Union Buildings in 1956.

Reaction to the passing of ANC struggle icon, Mama Lillian Diedericks: Gift Ngqondi

An anti-apartheid activist and trade unionist, Diedericks was born at New Brighton in Gqeberha before she was forcibly moved from the area under apartheid laws.

In 1956 together with, Sophie de Bruyn, Rahima Moosa, Helen Joseph and Lillian Ngoyi, she led an anti-pass march of about 20 000 women to the Union Buildings.

Diedericks kicked off her political career in the labour organisation, Food and Canning Workers’ union.

She also served as the Secretary of the Medical Association.

In April 2018, President Ramaphosa awarded her with the National Order for her contribution to the liberation of the country.

ANC’s Cedric Frolick pays tribute to late Lillian Diedericks:

Last year, the State House in Bhisho was named after her.

She died in her home on Tuesday. Diedericks will be laid to rest on Friday and a memorial service will be held later.