Tributes pour in for former Cape Town mayor, Theresa Mary Solomon

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Tributes continue to pour in for the late Theresa Mary Solomon who passed away on Monday evening.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Solomon family, the revered anti-apartheid activist, civic leader, former Mayor of Cape Town, and diplomat (79) passed away ‘’peacefully in Cape Town surrounded by her family,’’ following a period of illness.

PICTURED: Theresa Solomon


Born in Cape Town in 1945, Theresa dedicated her life to the struggle for justice and  equality. From organising communities on the Cape Flats to serving as Cape Town’s first  black female Mayor and later as South Africa’s High Commissioner to Tanzania and Canada,  her unwavering commitment to social justice uplifted countless lives.

Fondly known as “Com T”, Theresa was described as a tireless champion of community empowerment and youth leadership. She resided and worked in Mitchell’s Plain, between 1970 and 1990. Solomon was born in 1945 in District Six and served as Mayor of Cape Town from 1996 to 1998, later also serving as the country’s High Commissioner to Tanzania and Canada.

‘’Theresa will be remembered for her courage, humility, and love for  the people of South Africa,’’ read the statement.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed the City’s condolences on the passing of the former Mayor

‘’Former Mayor Theresa Solomon will be remembered for her dedication to justice and activism, which brought about meaningful change, especially on the Cape Flats, where she played a pivotal role in establishing civic organisations to campaign for amenities in the wake of forced removals in the 1970’s, including schools, hospitals, and police stations. As a mother, activist, and leader, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

Molo Songolo CEO, Patric Solomons described Solomons as a ‘’true people's champion...   a community leader, anti-Apartheid activist, first black mayor of Cape Town and diplomat... she made a life-long commitment to fight for freedom and justice’’...

Media professional, Ryland Fisher, says he is sad to hear about the passing

‘’An activist who had an influence on me and many others of my generation since the early 1980s when we lived in Mitchell's Plain. She had been ill for a while, so this moment was not unexpected, but it is still a shock. I have many fond memories of Theresa and will share that later. May her departed soul rest in peace.’’

The Mitchells Plain Development Action Collective (MPDAC), which she helped establish, paid tribute.

‘’The Solomon family moved to Woodlands in 1979 where she was involved in numerous campaigns such as the bus boycott, advocating for a school in Tafelsig and opposing rent increases. She was instrumental in community activitism with the establishment of the Leadwood Creche and the Woodlands People's Centre. Rest well, daughter of the soil, we salute your tireless dedication and commitment to building a better community and country.’’

Solomon is survived by her daughter Lee-Anne, son-in-law Oscar, grandchildren Tina-Malaika and Ruiz, and her brother Jerome.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

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