Theresa Solomon: Celebrating the life of a fierce activist and mentor

Tyrone Parks, Mitchell's Plain Development and Action Collective member and former Mitchell's Plain anti-Apartheid student activist

So many of us are pained and saddened at the passing of our fierce activist mother, mentor, and friend. I met comrade Theresa, like so many of my generation, in the early 80s.

At the time she was involved with the Woodlands Residents' Association and, often, we would meet in Orpheus Crescent creche where all these civic, youth and the newly launched United Democratic Front Mitchell's Plain regional meetings were held.

Many times after a meeting or a community protest, ComT as we referred to her adoringly, would drop us at our respective homes in her blue 'Volksie' (VW Beetle).

We had many conversations, she exchanged books and literature with us, reminded us that we must put the people at the centre of everything we do, and to remain humble.

At a time when feminist language was not popular ComT, reminded us of the triple oppression of women in South Africa and often would "out" male comrades in meetings for their toxic patriarchy.

Hamba kahle ComT. Your story is yet to be told.