The late Nombulelo Hermans. Picture: parliament.gov.za
CONDOLENCES are pouring in for former Umsobomvu municipal mayor and ANC Member of Parliament, Nombulelo Hermans.
ANC provincial spokesperson Tshepo Louw said Hermans died on Monday after having been diagnosed with Covid-19.
“We are shocked and saddened at her death. The ANC in the Province has spoken to the national chief whip regarding giving her a special funeral and we are consulting with the family regarding the funeral arrangements. We expect President Cyril Ramaphosa to give the matter the necessary consideration,” said Louw on Tuesday.
He added that Hermans had recently submitted a report for implementation on social transformation. “She was the chairperson of the committee and did a lot of work in the Province.”
ANC provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga said that “comrade Sis Buli”, as she was affectionately known, served on the ANC provincial working committee (PWC) and provincial executive committee (PEC).
“The ANC in the Northern Cape is overcome with a deep sense of sadness at her sudden passing,” said Ngxanga.
“She was a well trained and seasoned cadre who was vocal on women’s empowerment. She rose rapidly through the ranks of the congress youth movement through her involvement in the Colesberg Youth Organisation in 1985. She also played a significant role in the establishment of an ANC branch in Colesberg immediately after the unbanning of all political parties during the apartheid era.
“In 2002, her outstanding leadership resulted in her election as an additional member of the Pixley ka Seme regional executive committee (REC) member and she served as a regional working committee (RWC) member.”
Ngxanga added that Hermans was later elected as the ANC regional treasurer and regional deputy chairperson.
“Sis Buli served as a mayor of the Umsobomvu Local Municipality for two terms, Speaker of the Pixley ka Seme District Municipality and second deputy chairperson of the South African Local Government Association.
“At the time of her passing, she was serving as both a PEC and PWC member of the ANC in the Northern Cape and was a Member of Parliament.
“She was a champion of workers’ rights and equal rights. We are grateful for the contribution she made in the ANC and her profound, selfless service for the people of this Province and country.”
The ANC caucus at the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature also extended its condolences to Hermans’ family and friends.
ANC chief whip Neo Maneng stated that Hermans was a staunch activist who was committed to the creation of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society.
“Sis Buli was an extremely disciplined cadre. Her loyalty to the organisation came as a result of her strong conviction in ANC policies. Sis Buli embodied women’s activism and was equal to the tasks of all her deployments and always rose to the occasion of giving astute leadership.”