VERONICA Zondeni Sobukwe was laid to rest next to her husband the late Professor Robert Sobukwe last weekend.
The grave is a national heritage site.
The funeral service, which was planned to be a category two state funeral, was attended by various national and provincial government representatives including the deputy president, David Mabuza, as well as the minister of defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who all poured into the small Karoo town to pay their last respects.
The funeral service started with a brief church service programme upon the arrival of her body at her home in Stockenstroom Street escorted by members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF).
Thereafter a full church service was held at the local Methodist church in Umasizakhe Township.
The church service was interrupted by a faction of Pan African Congress (PAC) members, who sang struggle songs while the church service was being conducted and demanded that the PAC flag should be hoisted and draped around Mama Sobukwe’s casket and not the national flag.
This caused pandemonium and confusion and resulted in Deputy President Mabuza leaving the service due to security concerns.
Paying his last respects, veteran Thami ka Plaatjie said, “We are here to pay our last respects to a heroine who sacrificed a lot for our liberation.
“We also urge the community not to forget the contribution of Veronica and Robert to our liberation.”
The loss will greatly be felt by family and the community at large , especially those who have benefited from her community development projects that include an old age home, a community garden and a soup kitchen for the elderly and destitute in the community.
Family spokesperson, Sizwe Mfaxa said, “We will dearly miss grandmother’s loving kindness and words of wisdom”.
Local residents were also not left out during this historical event as young and old streamed the streets of Graaff-Reinet to get a glimpse of her remains for the last time.
Speaking to Express, Umasizakhe resident Norah Kwayise said she felt proud te be part of history.
“We are all here to say farewell to our mother who has done so much for us in this community.
“We will for ever be indebted to her, hamba lala ngoxolo gogo (go well and rest in peace grandmother),” said Kwayise.
Despite the delay and chaotic occurrences, the funeral went ahead and Veronica Sobukwe was laid to rest next to her late husband at the Methodist cemetery grounds, as per her family’s wish, lala ngoxolo mbokodo.