Frene Ginwala, South Africa’s first and longest-serving female speaker of Parliament, has died at the age of 90.
Ms Ginwala was born in 1932 in what was then the Transvaal Province of South Africa. She was a key player in the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy. Ginwala had a distinguished career in the fight against apartheid and was a key figure in the transition to democracy.
In 1994, she was elected Speaker of Parliament, the lower house of parliament, the first woman in the country to hold the position. She held the role until 2004. She was also the first female president of the Pan African Parliament. During her tenure, she presided over the adoption of several landmark pieces of legislation, including the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the Electoral Act.
Ms Ginwala was known for her hard work, her commitment to South Africa’s democracy and her dedication to the fight for gender equality. She was also a leading member of the South African Council of Churches and served on the executive of the UDF.
She was a member of the African National Congress (ANC). South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Ms Ginwala, saying that “she was an inspiration to many South Africans”. He added: “Her legacy will remain with us forever.”
Ms Ginwala’s death has been mourned by South African politicians and activists from across the political spectrum, who have praised her for her commitment to democracy.
Ginwala will be remembered for her dedication to the struggle for justice and democracy in South Africa. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and was an inspiring role model to many. Her legacy will live on in the many laws and reforms she helped bring about.
