Tributes to Theresa Solomon: A legacy of justice and community activism
Former Cape Town mayor, Theresa Solomon, has died at the age of 79.
Image: Facebook
Tributes have poured in for the Western Cape’s first mayor of colour - a diplomat and founder member of the Mitchell’s Plain Development Action Collective (MPDAC) and former ambassador to Canada and Tanzania - Theresa Solomon, who died at the age of 79.
Solomon passed away on Monday, surrounded by her family.
Fondly known as "Com T" or "T", born in 1945, Solomon dedicated her life to the struggle for justice and equality.
She was the deputy mayor of Cape Town between 1995 and 1996 and the mayor from 1996 to 1998.
“The Solomon family moved to Woodlands in 1979 where she was involved in numerous campaigns such as the bus boycott, advocating for a school in Tafelsig and opposing rent increases,” MPDAC said.
“She was instrumental in community activism with the establishment of the Leadwood Crèche and the Woodlands People's Centre.
“Theresa went on to become Cape Town's first black female mayor and later served as South Africa's ambassador to Canada as well as a term as ambassador to Tanzania.”
“Rest well, daughter of the soil, we salute your tireless dedication and commitment to building a better community and country.”
The ANC said they hoped that her legacy of good governance would prevail.
Party provincial spokesperson, Khalid Sayed, said Solomon was an example of leadership from grassroot level.
“The ANC in Western Cape extends its condolences to the Solomon family and to all the loved ones and comrades of our late former mayor, Comrade Theresa Solomon,” he said.
"We will continue to celebrate her life and to honour her and to be inspired by her legacy.
“She was the City of Cape Town’s first black female mayor, she was South Africa’s former high commissioner to Canada and to Tanzania but more than that, Comrade, Theresa Solomon played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement, not only in Mitchell’s Plain where she resided but across Cape Town and the Western Cape.
“We say may her soul rest in peace and we know and trust that activists on the ground, that our councillors on the City of Cape Town, will honour her memory by pursuing good governance.”
Former Mayor Theresa Solomon has died at the age of 79. pic City of Cape Town Former Mayor Theresa Solomon has died at the age of 79. pic City of Cape Town
Image: City of Cape Town
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, expressed his condolences.
"Former mayor Theresa Solomon will be remembered for her dedication to justice and activism, which brought about meaningful change, especially on the Cape Flats, where she played a pivotal role in establishing civic organisations to campaign for amenities in the wake of forced removals in the 1970s, including schools, hospitals, and police stations.
“As a mother, activist, and leader, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations," he said.
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