Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Jessie Duarte

Jessie Yasmin Duarte (née Dangor; 19 September 1953 – 17 July 2022) was a South African of Muslim descent who served as Deputy Secretary-General of the (ANC) from 2012 until her death, having been elected to the position at the party's 53rd National Conference and re-elected in 2017. Born in Newclare, , to Ebrahim and Julie Dangor as one of nine children, Duarte became politically active at an early age during the era and later worked as personal assistant to from 1990 to 1994 following his release from prison. Duarte's career was marked by unwavering loyalty to the ANC and its leaders, including serving under multiple presidents from Mandela to , while she earned a reputation for combative rhetoric and defending the party against internal and external critics. She publicly criticized the ANC in for exhibiting "racist" and "tribalistic" tendencies toward non-black members, breaking from party leadership on racial dynamics within the organization. In 2016, her comparison of Israel's actions to those of drew sharp condemnation from South Africa's Jewish community for demonstrating "obsessive hostility" toward the state. Duarte died from cancer after an eight-month battle with the illness, during which she had been on medical leave since November 2021.

Early Life

Upbringing and Family Background

Jessie Yasmin Duarte was born on 19 September 1953 in Newclare, Johannesburg, then part of Transvaal province (now Gauteng), to parents Ebrahim and Julie Dangor. She was the fifth of nine children and the only daughter in the family, which traced its roots to Indian Muslim heritage. The Dangor family resided in non-white townships such as Newclare and nearby Westbury, areas designated under apartheid-era segregation for of colour, including those of descent. Duarte grew up primarily in Coronationville, where she completed her at Coronationville Secondary School. Her siblings included notable figures such as Achmat Dangor, a prominent author and former CEO of the , and Zane Dangor, who later served in government roles. Family accounts describe a close-knit household, with Duarte often assuming caregiving responsibilities for younger siblings amid the challenges of .

Education and Pre-Political Career

Duarte completed her at Coronationville in , where she obtained her (Standard Ten or Grade 12) certificate. No records indicate formal following high school, though she participated in a post-secondary exchange program to the . Prior to deeper involvement in political activism, Duarte pursued a career in during the . She began as a management at Anglo American Properties Limited before moving to Raven Press, where she remained until her detention by security forces in 1984. These roles provided administrative experience that later informed her organizational work within anti-apartheid structures.

Anti-Apartheid Activism

Involvement in ANC Women's and Youth Structures

Duarte became politically active in her youth during the 1970s, initially aligning with the before engaging in underground ANC activities amid the regime's restrictions on overt organization. Her early efforts focused on mobilizing communities against discriminatory policies, laying groundwork for structured involvement in ANC-aligned groups. In 1979, recruited Duarte to build women's structures across as part of the internal anti- resistance, emphasizing grassroots organization in regions like the , , and . By 1981, she had established nine functioning women's organizations in these areas and assumed the role of provincial secretary for the ANC Women's League (ANCWL) in the , coordinating campaigns against pass laws and other gender-specific oppressions under . Concurrently, Duarte served as provincial secretary of the Federation of Transvaal Women (FEDTRAW), a United Democratic Front (UDF)-affiliated body that functioned as a proxy for ANC women's initiatives during the banned period, facilitating nationwide women's mobilization and linking internal efforts with exiled ANC networks. She acted as a key liaison for women's movements with the (SACP), under figures like Ray Alexander Simons, to integrate gender issues into broader liberation strategies. While her documented roles centered on women's structures, Duarte's extended to UDF campaigns in the , including door-to-door outreach during the Anti-Tricameral Parliament drive, which involved collaboration with student and civic youth groups to oppose racially segregated governance. This work contributed to swelling mass democratic movement ranks, though specific leadership in the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) remains unrecorded in primary accounts of her early career. Her detention without trial in 1988 underscored the risks of these underground efforts, after which restrictions limited but did not halt her organizational activities until the ended.

Internal Resistance Efforts in the 1970s and 1980s

During the 1970s, Duarte engaged with the and contributed to the establishment of women's structures aligned with the (ANC), reflecting the era's focus on grassroots mobilization amid the banned ANC's internal networks. Recruited by in 1979, she worked to build these organizations nationwide, laying foundations for broader anti-apartheid women's activism inside . In the 1980s, Duarte's efforts intensified through the United Democratic Front (UDF), a coalition formed in 1983 to coordinate internal mass resistance against policies. As provincial secretary of the Federation of Women (FEDTRAW), a UDF affiliate, she was elected in 1981 and traveled extensively to unite women's groups across provinces including the , , and , facilitating campaigns that challenged segregationist laws. She participated in key UDF initiatives, such as door-to-door canvassing during the Anti-Tricameral Parliament campaign, which opposed the government's 1983 constitutional reforms granting limited representation to Coloured and Indian communities while excluding Black South Africans. Additionally, she collaborated with Reverend in the early 1980s to manage a fund supporting ANC and UDF activists' and skills development. Duarte also supported underground ANC operations, including the identification of safe houses and couriers to evade , contributing to the internal wing's logistics amid heightened state repression. Her activities drew harassment from the regime, culminating in detention without trial in 1988 under the ; she was released but subjected to restriction orders until the emergency's end in 1990. These efforts underscored the internal resistance's reliance on networks to sustain opposition, distinct from the ANC's external armed wing.

Association with Nelson Mandela

Role as Personal Assistant (1990–1994)

Following Nelson Mandela's release from prison on February 11, 1990, Jessie Duarte was tasked with establishing his office at the (ANC) headquarters in , , alongside setting up facilities for . In collaboration with , she provided dedicated executive assistance to Mandela during the transitional period marked by negotiations toward democracy, ANC rebuilding in the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging (PWV, now ) region, and ongoing apartheid-era violence under the National Peace Accord. Duarte served as Mandela's personal assistant from 1990 to 1994, managing daily operations including scheduling, logistics for domestic and international travel, and note-taking during high-level meetings such as those on the Convention for a Democratic (CODESA) and secret talks with President F. W. de Klerk. She attended morning briefings on negotiation strategies and practical challenges, accompanied Mandela to sites of unrest like the massacre in October 1990—where she observed his visible shock amid the violence—and supported self-defense unit initiatives amid escalating conflicts. Her role extended to personal support, witnessing Mandela's composed leadership in disarming tensions, his occasional flirtatious demeanor that occasionally clashed with feminist sensibilities in the office, and emotional guidance during his 1992 separation from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, which created a strained atmosphere among staff. Duarte also handled administrative duties for Sisulu concurrently until , leveraging her contacts to facilitate office setup and operations during this volatile phase leading to the 1994 elections. Through these efforts, she contributed to Mandela's focus on strategic restraint amid calls for more radical responses to violence, embodying the executive support essential for his negotiation role.

Experiences During Transition to Democracy

Following Nelson Mandela's release from prison on February 11, 1990, Duarte was appointed as his personal assistant, a role she held until 1994, while also assisting . She was selected for her established community contacts within the (ANC) structures, working alongside figures such as and to manage Mandela's office and schedule. In this capacity, Duarte participated in the establishment of Mandela's post-release offices and contributed to the ANC's Interim in the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vaal (PWV) region, aiding organizational rebuilding after the ANC's unbanning. During the negotiations leading to from 1991 to 1994, Duarte served on the ANC's Regional Executive Committee for the PWV region (later ) and attended daily strategy meetings on the Convention for a Democratic (CODESA). She recalled consensus-driven decision-making processes, with Mandela and Sisulu advocating for the release of remaining political prisoners as a precondition for advancing talks. Key events included a 1990 meeting in where Mandela consulted (MK) commanders on suspending the armed struggle to facilitate a "clean slate" for negotiations, and an October 1990 visit to the following a massacre, where Duarte accompanied Mandela to the Germiston mortuary to view victims, prompting calls for the Goldstone Commission inquiry into violence. In 1993, after the , she supported Mandela's address urging restraint amid widespread unrest, which helped avert broader escalation. Duarte also engaged in efforts to counter apartheid-era violence, collaborating with on units and structures under the National Peace Accord. Her experiences highlighted tensions between Mandela's emphasis on disciplined and her own more radical inclinations, particularly in response to ongoing clashes in regions like . These roles positioned her at the intersection of high-level strategy and on-the-ground realities during the volatile transition period.

ANC Leadership Roles

Early Administrative and Spokesperson Positions

Following the end of and the ANC's victory in the 1994 general election, Duarte was elected to the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC, contributing to provincial party organization and policy implementation. She also held the position of Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Safety and Security in the provincial government, the first to occupy this role, overseeing law enforcement and public safety initiatives from 1994 until 1999. After serving as South Africa's ambassador to from 1999 to 2003, Duarte returned to ANC national structures and was appointed as the party's national , a role in which she communicated official positions on domestic and matters to and the . She held this position until August 2009, when, as incumbent , she was deployed to the as Chief Operations Officer in President Jacob Zuma's office. In the capacity, she managed operational aspects of the presidential administration, including coordination of executive functions and support for policy execution. Duarte resigned from the in April 2010 amid reported internal tensions, returning her focus to core ANC organizational duties.

Deputy Secretary-General (2012–2022)

Jessie Duarte was elected as Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC) at the party's 53rd National Conference in Mangaung, Free State, on December 16, 2012, securing 2,476 votes. She was re-elected to the position at the 54th National Conference in Nasrec, Johannesburg, in December 2017. In this role, Duarte assisted Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe and later Ace Magashule, deputizing as needed and executing tasks assigned by the Secretary-General or National Executive Committee (NEC), including administrative oversight and party coordination. During her tenure, Duarte emphasized party unity and confronted insufficient female representation within ANC structures, advocating for greater inclusion of women in leadership. She played a key role in internal efforts to bridge factional divides, particularly amid tensions between supporters of and , positioning herself as a unifier despite earlier alliances with . In May 2021, following Magashule's suspension over charges, Duarte assumed acting Secretary-General duties, managing NEC processes during a period of heightened internal conflict. Duarte's time in office drew criticism for her combative interactions with the , including instances where she was accused of inappropriate treatment of journalists, potentially undermining perceptions of within the . She also faced backlash for statements equating policies with Nazi actions in 2016, which South African Jewish organizations described as obsessively hostile toward . Duarte remained in the role until November 2021, when she took medical leave for , continuing to receive support for her duties until her death in July 2022.

Political Positions and Controversies

Support for Jacob Zuma and Media Criticisms

Duarte vociferously defended against charges during his 2008 , with the ANC, through its spokeswoman, asserting that Zuma was "being persecuted more than prosecuted." She described the prosecution's appeal to reinstate charges as a "cynical and ill-considered" move in a "relentless" campaign against him. In defending Zuma's upgrades, Duarte maintained in January 2018 that Zuma had repeatedly denied requesting the enhancements, yet media and political attacks persisted unabated. As ANC deputy secretary-general, Duarte continued her backing of Zuma amid escalating scandals, including allegations. In leaked April 2021 audio from an ANC national officials' meeting, she advised against Zuma testifying at the , stating personally that "going to the commission under Zondo... is absolutely not a good thing for comrade Zuma to do." She criticized the ANC's directive barring members from publicly supporting Zuma during his court appearances on charges, arguing it complicated efforts to rally behind him. Following Zuma's 15-month sentence in July 2021, Duarte expressed hope that his application to avoid would succeed, while affirming the party's enduring respect for him despite unrest linked to his supporters. After Zuma's February 2018 resignation under party pressure, she praised him as a "principled member of the ANC." In a January 2018 , Duarte portrayed Zuma's presidency as exemplary, mounting a defense against widespread critiques of failures. Duarte frequently attributed Zuma's negative public image to , accusing outlets of aggressive, prejudicial reporting that amplified suspicions over evidence. She called for a "diverse and unbiased " in , alleging the presence of more " journalists" acting as civil servants than in any . Her antagonism toward journalists intensified as Zuma's evidence accumulated, with Duarte tolerating little scrutiny of ANC figures and viewing coverage as deliberately adversarial. In April 2019, she labeled an journalist an "arrogant bully" during a confrontation, accusing the channel of anti-ANC bias akin to opposition slogans. These outbursts reflected a where Duarte dismissed critical reporting as selective and prejudiced, particularly on Zuma-related issues, rather than engaging with underlying factual allegations.

Views on Foreign Policy and Other Issues

Duarte was a vocal critic of , aligning with the (ANC)'s longstanding support for . In a July 10, 2014, statement as ANC deputy secretary-general, she condemned military actions in during Operation Protective Edge, describing the occupied territories as "permanent death camps" and accusing of turning the region into a site of systematic child killings comparable to Nazi atrocities. These remarks drew sharp rebukes from organizations such as the (ADL), which labeled them as inflammatory and antisemitic for equating 's defensive operations with , and from South African Jewish leaders who deemed them prejudiced and disconnected from factual military contexts involving rocket fire. She advocated for downgrading South Africa's diplomatic ties with , playing a key role in the ANC's 2017 national conference resolution calling for the immediate and unconditional reduction of the South African embassy in to liaison status, citing alleged Israeli expansionism as a threat to Palestinian land rights. Duarte also endorsed the (BDS) movement against and signed the 2014 Global South Response initiative in solidarity with Palestinian civil society demands. Her positions reflected the ANC's broader anti-imperialist framework but were criticized for overlooking Hamas's role in initiating conflicts and for prioritizing ideological solidarity over balanced . On other international matters, Duarte defended African nations against perceived Western condescension. Following U.S. President Donald Trump's January 2018 remarks referring to certain countries as "shitholes," she asserted that African states were not "shithole" nations and rejected the characterization as offensive, emphasizing South Africa's and contributions to global stability. She expressed support for anti-imperialist struggles in and , framing U.S. and Western interventions there as aggressive threats to , consistent with her advocacy for oppressed groups worldwide. During her tenure as South Africa's to from 1999 to 2003, she focused on bilateral cooperation amid post-apartheid , though specific policy statements from that period emphasized mutual over ideological pronouncements. Domestically linked to , Duarte criticized biases in coverage of international conflicts, calling in January 2014 for a more diverse and less "embedded" press to counter what she viewed as skewed narratives favoring perspectives. Her views often intertwined global solidarity with ANC ideology, prioritizing alliances with non-aligned movements while showing limited engagement with critiques of authoritarian regimes in allied states.

Personal Life and Health

Family and Relationships

Jessie Yasmin Duarte, born Jessie Yasmin Dangor on 19 September 1953 in Newclare, , was the only daughter among nine children of Ebrahim Dangor, a truck driver, and Julie Dangor, a . Her siblings included Zane Dangor, who later served as a senior ANC official and paid tribute to her following her death, highlighting her role as a family anchor amid apartheid-era hardships. Duarte married John Duarte, a fellow ANC member and politician, and the couple had two children together. The marriage ended in divorce in 2001, after which they maintained an amicable relationship despite public scrutiny over John Duarte's separate political and business involvements. No further marriages or long-term partnerships were publicly documented, and Duarte prioritized her political career over personal relationships in later years.

Battle with Cancer

Duarte was diagnosed with in November 2021 and subsequently took medical leave from her role as ANC deputy secretary-general. She had privately informed select colleagues of her diagnosis around that time, approximately eight months prior to her death. Throughout her treatment, which included efforts to secure specialized medication—reportedly facilitated by ANC colleague through research into alternative protocols—Duarte remained engaged in limited personal initiatives, such as launching a book project documenting the history of South Africa's women's movement during her final days. Despite these interventions, her condition progressed, leading to her death on July 17, 2022, at the age of 68.

Death and Immediate Aftermath

Announcement and Funeral Arrangements

The death of Jessie Duarte was announced by the (ANC) on July 17, 2022, confirming that the party's deputy secretary-general had passed away in the early hours of that morning in at the age of 68, following a prolonged battle with during which she had been on medical leave since November 2021. The ANC statement highlighted her dedication to the organization and struggle against , noting her role as a "faithful, dedicated and fiercely loyal leader." Duarte was granted a special official category two state funeral by President . Her burial took place later that same afternoon of July 17, 2022, at in , conducted according to Muslim rites in line with her family's wishes and her Islamic faith. The funeral service included eulogies from ANC leaders, with President Ramaphosa delivering remarks emphasizing her loyalty to the and contributions to its structures. A national memorial service was subsequently held on July 21, 2022, at City Hall, organized by the ANC to honor her legacy and allow broader participation. This event featured addresses from party officials and reflected on her administrative roles within the ANC.

Tributes and Public Reactions

President , in his eulogy at Duarte's funeral on July 24, 2022, described her as a "faithful, dedicated and fiercely loyal leader" of the (ANC), emphasizing her role in confronting patriarchal attitudes and championing women's contributions in politics. He declared a Special Official Funeral Category Two for her, highlighting her commitment to the oppressed and her firmness on principles despite facing criticism. The ANC's official statement saluted her "life of struggle, discipline and service," positioning her legacy as a guide for ongoing party efforts. Tributes from opposition parties included condolences from the (), (UDM), and Congress of the People (COPE), acknowledging her contributions to the liberation struggle. The expressed sympathies to the ANC and Duarte's family, recognizing her leadership. reactions largely focused on her "feisty, fiery and smart" persona and her dues paid in the anti-apartheid fight, with users and commentators pouring in messages of respect for her organizational skills within the ANC. Internationally, a Palestinian youth in the West Bank spray-painted Duarte's name on a wall as a tribute, reflecting her vocal support for Palestinian causes during her tenure. While predominant reactions celebrated her loyalty and resilience amid her cancer battle—diagnosed in 2021—some opinion pieces critiqued her as abrasive or overly factional, attributing such views to her defense of former president Jacob Zuma against corruption inquiries. These contrasted with the unified praise from ANC structures and allies, underscoring divisions in South African political discourse.

Legacy

Achievements in ANC Structures and Women's Empowerment

Duarte ascended through ANC structures, serving on the National Executive Committee since 2002 and as national spokesperson for the committee. She was elected Deputy Secretary-General at the ANC's 53rd National Conference in Mangaung in December 2012, a role focused on administrative coordination, political education, and party unity, and was re-elected to the position at the 54th National Conference in Nasrec in December 2017. In , Duarte contributed to forming ANC women's structures in the amid anti- organizing. As a leader of the Federation of Women (FEDTRAW), she traveled nationwide post-1990 to establish women's groups and reconstruct the South African women's movement. Her efforts emphasized mobilization against inequalities tied to apartheid legacies. Duarte advocated persistently for women's emancipation within ANC frameworks, prioritizing in party leadership and policy implementation, as noted in official tributes describing her as a dedicated activist. This included challenging patriarchal norms in political spaces, though measurable outcomes like increased female representation in ANC conferences aligned with broader party quotas rather than solely her initiatives.

Criticisms Regarding Party Loyalty and Governance Failures

Duarte's tenure as MEC for Safety and Security from 1994 to 1998 drew significant criticism for alleged mismanagement and , culminating in her on February 20, 1998, amid scandals including improper and a high-profile car crash incident involving departmental vehicles that highlighted oversight failures. Critics, including opposition figures and reports, contended that her department's handling of resources exemplified early post-apartheid breakdowns, with accusations of favoritism in contracts and inadequate mechanisms contributing to public distrust in provincial administration. These issues were later referenced in broader analyses of ANC cadre deployment flaws, where personal and networks were blamed for prioritizing over , though Duarte maintained the allegations stemmed from political attacks rather than substantiated wrongdoing. In her higher ANC roles, particularly as deputy secretary-general from , Duarte faced accusations of subordinating to unwavering party loyalty, most notably in relation to Jacob Zuma's administration. Testimony at the into revealed that Duarte had instructed ANC MPs to dismiss evidence of systemic during Zuma's presidency, including Gupta family influence over state entities, prioritizing factional unity over exposing procurement irregularities estimated to cost billions of rands. Observers, including editorial commentary, argued this reflected a pattern where her defense of ANC leaders—despite documented failures like Eskom mismanagement and Nkandla expenditure scandals—perpetuated inertia, as she aggressively countered media scrutiny and internal dissent to shield the party from reform pressures. Further criticisms highlighted Duarte's role in enforcing disciplinary measures against perceived disloyal elements post-2017 Nasrec conference, where her alignment with Cyril Ramaphosa's faction led to expulsions and sidelining of supporters, such as , alienating branches and exacerbating ANC electoral declines, including the party's worst showing in 2021 with under 50% vote share in key metros. Pro- voices, like , portrayed her as having betrayed earlier loyalties by weaponizing party unity against rivals, fostering perceptions of opportunistic factionalism that undermined merit-based governance and contributed to national challenges like persistent above 30% and service delivery protests peaking at over 2,000 annually by 2020. These dynamics, critics maintained, illustrated how rigid loyalty to ANC structures delayed accountability for policy failures, such as slow implementation and infrastructure decay under her oversight in party administrative roles.

References

  1. [1]
    Obituary - Jessie Duarte | South African Government
    19 September 1953 – 17 July 2022. Ms Yasmin Duarte, lovingly known as Comrade (Cde) Jessie, was born in the township of Newclare, Johannesburg to Ebrahim and ...Missing: politician biography
  2. [2]
    Duarte - ANC
    JESSIE YASMINE DUARTE was born in Coronationville, where she grew up and completed her schooling. She became actively involved in politics at a very early age ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  3. [3]
    Jessie Yasmin Duarte | South African History Online
    Apr 3, 2019 · Jessie Yasmin Duarte was born on 19 September 1953, one of nine children, in Newclare, Johannesburg, Transvaal (now Gauteng) to Julie and Ebrahim Dangor.
  4. [4]
    Interviews - Jessie Duarte | The Long Walk Of Nelson Mandela - PBS
    A political activist, she became Mandela's personal assistant (1990 -1994) following his release from prison.
  5. [5]
    Jessie Duarte, senior aide to Nelson Mandela, dies at 68
    Jul 18, 2022 · Jessie Duarte, a senior aide to Nelson Mandela before he became the first Black president of South Africa and a combative political figure in her own right.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  6. [6]
    Jessie Duarte, a brutally honest fighter who never ever gave up
    Jul 17, 2022 · Also, during this time, 702, the radio station I worked for, ended up in a minor dispute with the ANC about the hosting of a press conference.
  7. [7]
    South African Jews slam ANC deputy head for 'obsessive hostility ...
    Mar 7, 2016 · South African Jewry accused Jessie Duarte, deputy secretary-general of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), of obsessive hostility towards the State of ...
  8. [8]
    ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte has died
    Jul 17, 2022 · Duarte died after an eight month battle with cancer.
  9. [9]
    Jessie Duarte obituary - The Times
    Jul 27, 2022 · Jessie Duarte, ANC campaigner, was born on September 19, 1953. She died of cancer on July 17, 2022, aged 68.
  10. [10]
    Jessie Duarte's bio: age, children, siblings, party and demise
    Dec 5, 2022 · Her parents, Julie and Ebrahim Dangor, raised her in nearby Westbury and Newclare alongside her eight siblings. Two of Jessie Duarte's siblings, ...
  11. [11]
    Foundation expresses condolences on the passing of Jessie Duarte
    Jul 17, 2022 · Jessie was the beloved sister of Achmat Dangor, renowned author and the chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation between 2007 and 2012.
  12. [12]
    The meaning of the life (and death) of Jessie Duarte to women like me
    Jul 17, 2022 · Jessie worked in Nelson Mandela's office as ANC president and continued to serve under every party president, including Cyril Ramaphosa, making ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  13. [13]
    More tributes pour in for ANC Deputy Secretary General Yasmin ...
    Jul 17, 2022 · Duarte earned her stripes in the MDM, from her days as a youth activist, swelling the ranks of the MDM where she led the ANC in Gauteng as a PEC ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Jessie Duarte, former special assistant to Nelson Mandela, dies at 68
    Jul 17, 2022 · Born in Johannesburg on Sept. 19, 1953, Duarte worked as a management accountant, helped establish women's structures for the ANC in the 1970s ...Missing: jobs | Show results with:jobs
  15. [15]
    African National Congress Timeline 2000 -2010
    29 July, Bheki Cele is appointed as National Police Commissioner. 27 August, ANC National Spokesperson Jessie Duarte is appointed Chief Operations Officer ...
  16. [16]
    Duarte: Stalwart with a short fuse for media - IOL
    Dec 17, 2012 · 17/12/2012.Jessie Duarte shares a light moment with Frans Baleni minutes after she was nominated for position of deputy secretary general of ...
  17. [17]
    Ramaphosa pays tribute to ANC deputy secretary general Jessie ...
    Jul 17, 2022 · Duarte served for close to 10 years as ANC deputy secretary general and for 25 years she served as a member of the National Executive Committee ...
  18. [18]
    Eulogy by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the funeral of ANC Deputy ...
    Jul 17, 2022 · Jessie Duarte was a unifier. She embodied a politics that was neither divisive, mean, nor small. Her politics were empowering and unifying. She ...
  19. [19]
    ANALYSIS | Jessie Duarte: From Madiba's assistant to 'most ...
    Jul 10, 2021 · Months after starting her first job as part of South ... Duarte was schooled in when she was Nelson Mandela's assistant in the early 1990s.
  20. [20]
    LETTER: Jessie Duarte's treatment of journalist was inappropriate
    Apr 4, 2019 · ANC deputy secretary-general's reaction could dent the party in the elections because it seems that it doesn't respect media freedom.<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    ANC conveys best wishes to Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte
    Jul 15, 2022 · She has been on medical leave whilst undergoing treatment. She continues to be assisted in the execution of her duties and functions by the ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Thousands show support for Zuma | News - Al Jazeera
    Aug 5, 2008 · Jessie Duarte, an ANC spokesperson said: “We believe he is being persecuted more than prosecuted.” “Even if he is in jail, we will vote for ...
  23. [23]
    Case Against Zuma May Be Revived in S. Africa - The New York Times
    Jessie Duarte, the spokeswoman for the governing African National Congress, called the appeal a “cynical and ill-considered” step in a “relentless” prosecution.
  24. [24]
    Zuma is here to stay, says Duarte | News24
    Jan 28, 2018 · Duarte said Zuma had repeated that he did not ask for the security upgrades at his home in Nkandla, but the attacks on him didn't let up.Missing: defense | Show results with:defense
  25. [25]
    Duarte says ANC top six should approach Mogoeng to help Zuma ...
    ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte advised former president Jacob Zuma not to attend the state capture commission chaired by deputy chief justice ...
  26. [26]
    New recording surfaces of Jessie Duarte telling ANC leaders to find ...
    Apr 13, 2021 · Duarte also lashed out at the ANC for ordering its members not to show support for Zuma when he appeared in court, because it made it difficult ...
  27. [27]
    S.Africa's ANC says Zuma exploring every legal avenue after jail ...
    we would hope that comrade Zuma's court application will be successful," the party's Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte told a news conference. Zuma's ...
  28. [28]
    South Africa's Jacob Zuma resigns after pressure from party - BBC
    Feb 14, 2018 · Deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte told reporters: "President Zuma remains a principled member of the ANC. The ANC wants to salute the ...
  29. [29]
    Jessie and Ace show their hand - BusinessLIVE
    Feb 1, 2018 · ... Jessie Duarte, mounted a sterling defence of the Zuma years in an interview with City Press. According to Duarte, Zuma was a model president ...
  30. [30]
    The trials of Jacob Zuma - BBC
    Dec 15, 2017 · “The accusations against Zuma are clouded by suspicion, by prejudice, by conjecture... spun by a very aggressive media,” says Jessie Duarte, ...
  31. [31]
    Jessie Duarte calls for a diverse and unbiased media
    Jan 14, 2014 · A long time anti-apartheid activist, she has served variously as a special assistant to Nelson Mandela, a member of the provincial cabinet (MEC) ...
  32. [32]
    RECAP: Unravelling the riddle of Jessie Duarte - The Mail & Guardian
    Dec 8, 2017 · Duarte's home province of Gauteng has not nominated her, however, and has instead chosen former ANC Youth League secretary Vuyiswa Tulelo for ...Missing: involvement | Show results with:involvement
  33. [33]
    Jessie Duarte calls eNCA journalist an `arrogant bully` - Politicsweb
    Apr 2, 2019 · Duarte accused Maseko and the station of being anti-ANC and using a slogan close to that of the DA during the 2016 election coverage.Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
  34. [34]
    PETER BRUCE: Jessie Duarte's vile rant at reporter is par for the ...
    Apr 4, 2019 · But Duarte kept dropping little insults about the media. They only focused on three names on the list and were therefore “biased”. An eNCA ...Missing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
  35. [35]
    ANC: Statement by Jessie Duarte, ANC Deputy Secretary General ...
    Jul 10, 2014 · The African National Congress (ANC),condemns in the strongest terms, the barbaric attacks on the defenceless Palestinian people of Gaza.Missing: 1970s | Show results with:1970s
  36. [36]
    S. Africa's ANC slams Israel's 'barbaric' Gaza onslaught
    Jul 10, 2014 · "The state of Israel has turned the occupied territories of Palestine into permanent death camps," said the ANC - Anadolu Ajansı.
  37. [37]
    ADL Strongly Condemns Statements by ANC Leader Comparing ...
    Nov 7, 2014 · ADL Strongly Condemns Statements by ANC Leader Comparing Israel's Military to Nazis ... Jessie Duarte, Deputy Secretary-General of the African ...
  38. [38]
    South African Jews call ANC official's outburst against Israel ...
    "The State of Israel has turned the occupied territories of Palestine into permanent death camps," Duarte had said, adding that the Israeli military action in ...
  39. [39]
    Duarte fierce, unapologetic - #Africa4Palestine - IOL
    “Duarte was central to the adoption of the resolution by the ANC in 2017 for the 'immediate and unconditional downgrade of the South African embassy in Israel ...
  40. [40]
    “Israeli imperialists are planning to take our land,” says Jessie Duarte
    Reading from a memorandum with a set of demands, Duarte said Israel must recognise the rights of the people of Palestine to their land and freedom. She said it ...Missing: foreign | Show results with:foreign
  41. [41]
    The BDS movement mourns the passing of ANC leader Yasmin ...
    Jul 17, 2022 · We fondly remember how Jessie Duarte was among the courageous leaders who endorsed the Global South Response (GSR) to Palestinian civil ...
  42. [42]
    The Blogs: An Open letter to Jessie Duarte, Deputy Secretary ...
    ... Jessie Duarte, Deputy Secretary General of the ANC ... And this by a government spokesperson. Ms Duarte ... 2005. In the 9 years since that withdrawal ...
  43. [43]
    Africa calls Trump racist after 'shithole' remark | Reuters
    "Ours is not a shithole country and neither is Haiti or any other country in distress," Jessie Duarte, the deputy secretary general of South Africa's ruling ...
  44. [44]
    'Racist' And 'Shameful': How Other Countries Are Responding To ...
    The African National Congress, the ruling party in South Africa, tweeted a response citing its deputy secretary-general, Jessie Duarte. It is "offensive for ...
  45. [45]
    Jessie Duarte – A revolutionary life abused and legacy betrayed - IOL
    Jul 21, 2022 · Carl Niehaus gives a 'brutally honest and personal' account of his experience of Jessie Duarte.
  46. [46]
    Jesse Duarte's brother, Zane Dangor pays tribute to ... - YouTube
    Jul 17, 2022 · Jesse Duarte's brother, Zane Dangor pays tribute to Duarte, on behalf of the family. Tune into Newzroom Afrika on DSTV channel 405 for more.Missing: upbringing siblings
  47. [47]
    Anti-apartheid activist, African National Congress veteran Yasmin ...
    Jul 17, 2022 · The ANC confirmed that Duarte passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning. Duarte had been on medical leave since November last year as she ...
  48. [48]
    John Duarte vs Mail & Guardian - The Press Council of South Africa
    Jul 15, 2010 · Duarte complained that: It was not true that he was married to Jessie Duarte and said they were divorced in 2001;; It was not true that ...Missing: life | Show results with:life
  49. [49]
    ANC Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte Passes Away ...
    Duarte had been diagnosed with cancer in November last year (2021). According to the ANC, she was hospitalised with gastrointestinal complications. “On behalf ...Missing: type | Show results with:type
  50. [50]
    anc mourns the passing of its deputy secretary general, jessie duarte
    Jul 17, 2022 · At the time of her passing, Comrade Jessie was serving as Deputy Secretary General of the African National Congress since 2012 and a member of ...<|separator|>
  51. [51]
    Jessie Duarte was a grumpy bully - OPINION | Politicsweb
    Jul 20, 2022 · In November 2019, Duarte accused the ANC of being “racist” and “tribalistic” towards party members and voters who are not black Africans, but ...
  52. [52]
    How Sisulu 'secured' cancer medicine for Jessie Duarte - TimesLIVE
    Jul 22, 2022 · Duarte died on Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. She was laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery on the same day after a short service. “I ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  53. [53]
    Jessie Duarte's family dismisses Ace Magashule' claims she 'kept ...
    Jul 22, 2022 · Duarte, who passed away on Sunday after battling pancreatic cancer ... Jessie Duarte's family dismisses Ace Magashule' claims she 'kept ...
  54. [54]
    Duarte's brother: We should have chased Niehaus out of the house
    Jul 25, 2022 · Jessie Duarte's brother: We should have chased 'attention seeking ... Duarte passed away last Sunday after battling pancreatic cancer.
  55. [55]
    ANC Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte dies | News24
    Jul 17, 2022 · The Deputy Secretary General of the ANC, Jessie Duarte, has died. Duarte died in the early hours of this morning, July 17, 2022. She was 68 years old.
  56. [56]
    [PDF] Ms Yasmin 'Jessie' Duarte - South African Government
    Jul 17, 2022 · Ms Yasmin Duarte, lovingly known as Comrade (Cde) Jessie, was born in the township of. Newclare, Johannesburg to Ebrahim and Julie Dangor.Missing: background | Show results with:background
  57. [57]
    LIVE: Funeral for Jessie Duarte - The Post
    The funeral is scheduled to start at 1pm at Westpark Cemetery. She will be buried in Joburg according to Muslim rites. The ANC confirmed on Sunday morning that ...
  58. [58]
    Jessie Duarte's funeral service - YouTube
    Jul 17, 2022 · Jessie Duarte will receive a special official category two state funeral. The ANC's deputy secretary general died in the early hours of this ...Missing: arrangements | Show results with:arrangements
  59. [59]
    ANC to hold official memorial for Jessie Duarte on Thursday
    Jul 20, 2022 · She died while serving as ANC deputy secretary-general – a position she was first elected to at the ANC national conference in 2012. All ANC ...Missing: appointed date
  60. [60]
    Memorial service for Jessie Duarte - YouTube
    Jul 21, 2022 · The ANC is hosting a national memorial service for the late Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte. Memorial service for Jessie Duarte.
  61. [61]
    Ramaphosa leads tributes to Jessie Duarte | News24
    Jul 17, 2022 · ANC deputy secretary general and former ambassador Jessie Duarte was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon. She succumbed to cancer on Sunday morning ...
  62. [62]
    The African National Congress pays tribute to Comrade Yasmin ...
    Jul 17, 2025 · BREAKING: Jessie Duarte says ANC has fallen prey to Cult leadership like Ace Magashule in this country for a very long time and ANC cannot ...
  63. [63]
    R.I.P Jessie Duarte I EFF, UDM and COPE pay tribute to ... - YouTube
    Jul 17, 2022 · The ANC's Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte, has died after a battle with cancer. She was 68. Duarte will be buried on Sunday ...Missing: public | Show results with:public
  64. [64]
    Rest in Peace Leader Jesse Duarte The Patriotic Alliance will ...
    Rating 5.0 (9) Jul 16, 2022 · Rest in Peace Leader Jesse Duarte The Patriotic Alliance will release an official statement today in passing our condolences to the African ...
  65. [65]
    'Feisty, fiery and smart' - Tributes pour in for ANC bigwig Jessie Duarte
    Jul 17, 2022 · Duarte, deputy secretary general of the ANC, succumbed to cancer at the age of 68. “She was a feisty, fiery and smart politician,” her friend ...
  66. [66]
    FEATURE: Social Media reactions to passing of ANC's Jessie Duarte
    Jul 17, 2022 · H.E Prez Zuma conveys his heartfelt condolences to the Duarte family, friends and to the ANC for the passing of Cde Jessie. Prez Zuma says his ...
  67. [67]
    A tribute to the fearless, strong, humble Jessie Duarte - IOL
    Jul 26, 2022 · A Palestinian boy spray-paints Jessie Duarte's name on a wall in the West Bank as a tribute after the former deputy secretary general's death last week.
  68. [68]
    'She paid her dues in the struggle for liberation': 5 tributes to Jessie ...
    Jul 18, 2022 · Tributes continue to pour in for late ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte following her death over the weekend. Duarte died in the ...
  69. [69]
    Jessie Duarte, Former Special Assistant to Mandela, Dies at 68
    Jul 17, 2022 · Born in Johannesburg on Sept. 19, 1953, Duarte worked as a management accountant, helped establish women's structures for the ANC in the 1970s ...
  70. [70]
    Duarte hailed an advocate for equality - IOL
    Jul 18, 2022 · “A committed gender activist, she relentlessly championed the emancipation and empowerment of women. “Her life and work reflected a consistent ...
  71. [71]
    Politicians, civil society pay tribute to Jessie Duarte's life
    Jul 18, 2022 · “She was passionate about gender equality, and fighting against forms of sexism and patriarchy,” the EFF said in a statement. “Duarte will be ...
  72. [72]
    Another day, another car smash scandal - The Mail & Guardian
    Feb 20, 1998 · ... Duarte argued would form the basis of her defence against mismanagement and corruption allegations – became the centre of contest between ...
  73. [73]
    Thanks Jessie Duarte, you're doing a great job | The Citizen
    Finding fault with Jessie Duarte is not difficult for those with long memories. Twenty years ago she was forced to quit as Gauteng safety and security MEC, amid ...<|separator|>
  74. [74]
    Jessie Duarte's version of reality takes us through the looking glass ...
    Feb 10, 2021 · Back in 1998, as Gauteng MEC of safety and security, she lied ... The cancer of corruption has metastasised at Gauteng Department of Health.
  75. [75]
    Jessie Duarte: a street fighter who aided and abetted state capture
    Jul 17, 2022 · According to testimony at the Zondo commission, she instructed ANC MPs to ignore the massive corruption at the heart of state capture. She ...
  76. [76]
    EDITORIAL: Jessie Duarte's uneasy legacy - Financial Mail
    Jul 20, 2022 · As ANC spokesperson, she brooked no criticism of the party's excesses and would aggressively shut down attempts to hold it accountable. Just as ...
  77. [77]
    Jessie Duarte perfectly encapsulates the ANC's failure
    the ANC is lost when it comes to job creation and reducing inequality. It either doesn't know how ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  78. [78]
    Leading official of South Africa's ruling ANC party dies | AP News
    Jul 17, 2022 · Some of the influential roles Duarte played include being a spokeswoman for the ANC and a personal assistant to Nelson Mandela after he was ...