[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               ALBERTINA SISULU HONORED IN NEW HAVEN, CT

                                 ______


                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, residents of New Haven will soon gather to 
honor the accomplishments of one of the outstanding leaders of our 
time--Albertina Sisulu. Mrs. Sisulu is one of the most significant 
leaders of the South African liberation movement.
  A lifelong resident of South Africa, Albertina was born in 1918 in 
the district of Tsomo, Transkei, and educated at Maraizel College in 
the Cape Province. In 1940 she trained as a nurse at General Hospital 
in Johannesburg and later obtained her midwifery certificate at 
Bridgeman Maternity Hospital in 1954.
  While working as a young nurse in the townships around Johannesburg, 
Albertina's interest in politics grew, fueling her desire to improve 
the conditions of her people, especially the women. Appalled by the 
lack of health facilities, adequate housing, and electricity in the 
townships surrounding the capital, she dedicated her life to improving 
the lives of South African blacks.
  In 1944, Albertina married Walter Sisulu, a political activist who 
later became President of the African National Congress [ANC]. Walter 
was jailed eight times and in 1964 was finally sentenced, with Nelson 
Mandela, to life in prison. Throughout all of this, Albertina continued 
her crusade against apartheid and raised eight children.
  Albertina's political achievements are impressive and they 
demonstrate her gifts to motivate and organize people. Over the years, 
she has headed the ANC Women's League, the Federation of South African 
Women, and the United Democratic Front. In 1954 she was one of the 
founders of the Federation of South African Women, established to fight 
for women's rights and against the discriminatory laws of apartheid.
  Albertina Sisulu leads by example. Her initiative serves as an 
inspiration to women and all the people of South Africa who are working 
to make the future of their country full of hope, equality, and peace.
  Today, in her mid-seventies, Albertina Sisulu continues to fight for 
the women of South Africa and serves as an inspiration to us all. She 
is a member of the ANC Executive Committee, the National Assembly, and 
is president of the World Peace Council. Sisulu has fought to heighten 
awareness about domestic violence in South Africa, where one out of 
every six women is assaulted regularly by her partner.
  Albertina Sisulu has been imprisoned, harassed, and outlawed. She has 
led protests, marches, and boycotts. She has organized social and 
political organizations designed to improve life in South Africa for 
blacks, particularly black women. She has contributed tremendously to 
the South African liberation movement and continues to work hard on 
behalf of the people of South Africa. It is fitting that while visiting 
the United States, she be praised as an exceptional leader, 
humanitarian, and woman. It is with great honor that I join my friends 
and neighbors in New Haven as they pay tribute to this outstanding 
leader.

                          ____________________