President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Mpho Moloi
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the eulogy at the reburial and funeral service of former African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Dumalisile “Duma” Nokwe and his wife, Vuyiswa “Tiny” Nokwe, on Saturday, 17 May 2025. The ceremony will commence at 08:00 at the Walter Sisulu Hall, located at the corner of Malibongwe Drive and Hans Schoeman Street in Randburg.
The ANC has announced that this event will honor the lifelong contributions of the Nokwes to South Africa’s liberation struggle, paying tribute to their unwavering commitment to freedom and justice.
A Legacy of Legal and Political Pioneering
Born on 13 May 1927 in Evaton, Duma Nokwe emerged as a formidable figure in South Africa’s fight against apartheid. He became the first Black advocate admitted to the Supreme Court of the Transvaal in 1956, a groundbreaking achievement during an era of institutionalized racial discrimination. Nokwe’s legal acumen was matched by his political activism; he served as the ANC’s Secretary-General from 1958 to 1969, succeeding Oliver Tambo and preceding Alfred Nzo.  
Nokwe’s commitment to justice led to his involvement in the 1956 Treason Trial, where he was among 156 activists arrested and charged with high treason. Despite facing numerous legal and personal challenges, including bans and house arrests, he remained steadfast in his activism. In 1963, facing increasing persecution, Nokwe went into exile in Zambia, where he continued to serve the ANC as Director of International Affairs. He passed away in Lusaka on 12 January 1978 at the age of 50.  
Honoring a Life of Service
The reburial ceremony is part of a broader initiative to repatriate the remains of South African liberation stalwarts who died in exile. President Ramaphosa has emphasized the importance of bringing these heroes back to their homeland, stating that such acts serve to “restore their citizenship” and honor their sacrifices for a democratic South Africa. 
The remains of Duma Nokwe were exhumed from his gravesite in Zambia and returned to South Africa in September 2024. During the exhumation, it was noted that Nokwe was still adorned with an ANC scarf, symbolizing his enduring dedication to the movement. 
Celebrating the Contributions of Vuyiswa “Tiny” Nokwe
Vuyiswa “Tiny” Nokwe, a devoted partner in both life and the struggle for liberation, will be reburied alongside her husband. While less is publicly documented about her individual contributions, her support and involvement were integral to the collective efforts against apartheid. The joint reburial underscores the shared sacrifices made by families during South Africa’s tumultuous journey to freedom.
Event Details
• Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
• Time: 08:00
• Venue: Walter Sisulu Hall, Corner of Malibongwe Drive and Hans Schoeman Street, Randburg
The ANC has extended an invitation to all South Africans to attend the ceremony and pay their respects to two individuals whose lives were dedicated to the pursuit of equality and justice.
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