A “steel in the face of injustice”, is how Zackie Achmat described the late human rights activist, Yoliswa Dwane.
Dwane, who was the co-founder of Equal Education (EE) – reportedly died of liver cancer on Friday morning 21 October at the Khayelitsha District Hospital.
Since her death, words of condolences have been pouring, with many describing her as a unifier and a woman of courage.
Dwane, who hails from Dimbaza in the Eastern Cape, has been at the forefront of EE after being elected its chairperson in 2012.
EE is a community, membership-based organisation, advocating for quality and equality in the South African education system. She led EE’s research, media engagement, law reform work and publications.
In a media statement, the organisation described Dwane as “formidable”.
“A strong and graceful nkokheli. She believed absolutely that parliamentary engagements, media advocacy, policy outputs and legal interventions are given their power – and much legitimacy – by our grassroots organising across the country every day. She cared deeply for the lives of every single one of our members and consistently challenged the young people working inside EE to foreground equalisers in all of our work,” the statement read.
“Sis Yoli’s contribution to the struggle for equity and justice in post-apartheid South Africa is undeniable. We are very grateful to her for it. We wish we had celebrated your life more Sis Yoli, while you were still with us”.
Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) co-founder Zackie Achmat, who also worked closely with Yoliswa, labeled her as a “sister, comrade and remarkable leader”.
“Yoliswa Dwane, one of the founders and great leaders of Equal Education has died. She was steel in the face of injustice.
“Yoliswa’s last few years were difficult in many different ways. She died of liver cancer.
“I honour her memory with every fibre of my being and I will try to write an obituary,” Achmat wrote in his tribute.
Mbulelo Dwane, Yoliswa’s cousin, said besides being an activist she was a “daughter, a sister, a friend and a cousin”.
“Whatever she was outside, she was that 10 times at home. I would describe her as quiet, a unifier and spoke her mind. She also commanded respect,” said a saddened Mbulelo.
Mbulelo described Yoliswa as a “shining star” passionate about women’s empowerment. She also had an interest in farming and fought for women’s rights in the industry.
Dwane is expected to be buried in the Eastern Cape this coming weekend.