Ruth Mompati alongside Graça Machel and Ahmed Kathrada
On behalf of our Chairman Professor Njabulo Ndebele, our Board of Trustees and staff, we at the Nelson Mandela Foundation offer our deepest condolences to the family, comrades and friends of Ruth Mompati, who has passed away at the age of 89.
Her relationship with our late Founder Nelson Mandela began in the early 1950s when she worked as a typist at his law practice, Mandela & Tambo, in Johannesburg. In 1962, the year that Mandela was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison, Mme Ruth left the country and worked in exile for the African National Congress until its unbanning 28 years later.
On her return to South Africa in 1990 she was included in Mandela’s small team, which began exploratory talks with the apartheid regime.
When he was President, Mandela lauded her as one of the “outstanding” daughters of South Africa.
She continued to promote his legacy despite her advanced age and failing health, and on 13 December 2014 she participated in the Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk to mark the first anniversary of his passing. May we continue to advance her wish for a more equal and just society.
Her contribution to freedom in South Africa will never be forgotten. Hamba kahle, Mama Ruta. Rest in peace.
Ruth Mompati, veteran Sophie de Bruyn, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Graça Machel