Jacob Zuma On Walter Sisulu

On this day, 18 May 2012, Mr Walter Sisulu would have turned 100 years old. President Jacob Zuma extends his good wishes to the Sisulu family on this now sad but auspicious occasion when we remember the life of an outstanding South African freedom fighter, statesman and leader.

Mr Sisulu was a symbol of humility, sacrifice, patriotism, measured thoughts and sound understanding.  As his friend, comrade and compatriot, Tata Madiba said, Xhamela "knew and taught us that wisdom comes from sharing insights and listening to and learning from each other. He was always the unifier, never a divider where others of us would speak a hasty word or act in anger, he was the patient one, seeking to heal and bring together."

It is this strength of personality, humility and deep sense of purpose about life and the struggle which kept the spirits alive during the long periods of incarceration in Robben Island.

"As we celebrate the achievement of democracy, freedom and equality that Sisulu and his compatriots bequeathed on this nation, we must do so with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. It should always remind us of our abiding responsibility to guard our hard earned democracy jealously, and advance this country to higher levels of development, growth and prosperity by fighting hunger and poverty, inequality, disease and unemployment as a significant step to our economic freedom", said President Zuma.