Mayor Johnson bids farewell to anti-Apartheid activist Lillian Diedericks
Published: December 22, 2021<< BACK TO NEWS
Executive Mayor Eugene Johnson paid tribute to Order of Luthuli recipient and social justice activist Lillian Diedericks who passed away at the age of ninety-six yesterday.
"Mama Lillian Diedericks is a decorated
struggle veteran and exemplary citizen of Nelson Mandela Bay.
"We dip our banner in mourning and at the same
time celebrate a life well-lived.
"I will miss the visits to her house and the
many interesting stories from her days as an anti-Apartheid activist.
"She remained true to her spirit as a social
justice activist who continuously campaigned for the improvement of the lives
of others.
"On behalf of the municipality, Metro residents
and the political leadership, I would like to convey my sincere condolences to
the Diedericks family,” Mayor Johnson said.
Mama
Lillian Diedericks, a trade unionist and community leader, was born in Red
Location, New Brighton (Gqeberha) in 1925.
Her family was forced out of New Brighton to
the Northern Areas by the Apartheid government during the 1940’s.
After
participating in a protest against the mayor of Port Elizabeth in 1956,
Diedericks was arrested along with two other well-known activists, Frances
Baard and Florence Matomela.
Brister
House, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality headquarters in Govan Mbeki Avenue
was renamed the Lillian Diedericks Building in 2009.
In
earlier years , the Red Location museum in New Brighton held a half year -long
exhibition dedicated to the women of Port Elizabeth who participated in the
1956 Women’s march to Pretoria and these were; Florence Matomela, Nonthutuzelo
Mabala, Lillian Diedericks and Nosipho Dastile.
President
Cyril Ramaphosa awarded Lillian Diedericks with the Order of Luthuli (silver)
in 2018 for her excellent contribution to the anti-Apartheid struggle and the
liberation of her beloved country.
Mayor Johnson said Nelson Mandela Bay has lost
a worthy political icon and a dedicated campaigner for women’s rights and equality.
"May her dear soul rest in eternal peace,”
Mayor Johnson added.
She will be laid to rest on Friday, 24
December.
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