The mother of former president Thabo and political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki, Epainette was affectionately known as 'MaMbeki'. At 98 years old, she passed away on Saturday morning while in St Dominics private hospital in East London. MaMbeki was admitted to hospital two weeks ago after the complained of respiratory problems.
President Jacob Zuma has described late Eastern Cape-based struggle stalwart Epainette Mbeki as a "mother of this nation".
"Words are not adequate to explain the sad loss of this mother of our nation," President Jacob Zuma said in a statement.
"We wish to express, on behalf of government and all South Africans, our deepest condolences and the nation's solidarity with the Mbeki family at this hour," Zuma said.
ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa said in a statement that MaMbeki's passing "has made South Africa poorer given her long history of activism and her contribution in the struggle against apartheid."
"The collective of the ANC bows its head in honouring our mother, our stalwart and heroine. To the Moerane and Mbeki family we say your loss is our loss and in your grief we share," Kodwa said. Moerane is MaMbeki's maiden name.
ANC Youth League spokesman Dr Bandile Masuku stressed that MaMbeki's legacy and wisdom will outlast her life. "She will always be part of the reservoir of knowledge we draw lessons from," he said.
"We were blessed to have her amongst us. She has been a source of inspiration to many," Masuku added.
'Thank you, MaMbeki' - ANC
President Jacob Zuma has described late Eastern Cape-based struggle stalwart Epainette Mbeki as a "mother of this nation".
"Words are not adequate to explain the sad loss of this mother of our nation," President Jacob Zuma said in a statement.
"We wish to express, on behalf of government and all South Africans, our deepest condolences and the nation's solidarity with the Mbeki family at this hour," Zuma said.
ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa said in a statement that MaMbeki's passing "has made South Africa poorer given her long history of activism and her contribution in the struggle against apartheid."
"The collective of the ANC bows its head in honouring our mother, our stalwart and heroine. To the Moerane and Mbeki family we say your loss is our loss and in your grief we share," Kodwa said. Moerane is MaMbeki's maiden name.
ANC Youth League spokesman Dr Bandile Masuku stressed that MaMbeki's legacy and wisdom will outlast her life. "She will always be part of the reservoir of knowledge we draw lessons from," he said.
"We were blessed to have her amongst us. She has been a source of inspiration to many," Masuku added.
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