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2010-09-23: Celebrating the life of Sophie Masite 
 
SOPHIE Masite was one of the pioneers of democratic local governance in South Africa. She was first Mayor of the Southern Metropolitan Substructure
(SMS) which laid the groundwork for what is today known as the City of Johannesburg.

Her untimely death in 1997 robbed the City and South Africa of a visionary leader and an energetic activist who devoted her life to campaigning for the needs and aspirations of her community.

She came of age politically as part of the 1976-generation of activists. As member of the Soweto Students Representative Council (SSRC) she played a leading role in the organisation of protests against the apartheid-state during the Soweto uprising.

She remained an activist on behalf of her people throughout her life despite attempts by the regime to silence her voice. As a member of the Soweto Civic Association (SCA) in the early 1990s, she was detained under Section 6 of the Terrorism Act during the State of Emergency.

Sophie played a leadership role in a number of mass democratic organisations including the Detainees Parents Support Committee (DPSC), an affiliate of the disbanded United Democratic Front (UDF), and of the ANC after its unbanning.  She led the Jabavu Branch of the ANC between 1990 and 1994.

Following the ANC's victory in the first democratic elections of 1994, she was a logical choice to lead the Southern Metropolitan Substructure, which, at the time, comprised the Johannesburg CBD and its southern suburbs as well as Soweto, Orange Farm, Lenasia and Ennerdale.

Her appointment was recognition to the struggles waged by women throughout the decades under apartheid rule and their continued determination to transform the country into a truly non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.

Commenting on her appointment at the time, the ANC stated: "Her appointment as Mayor, is a reflection of the majority of women who, through patience and endurance, came out in their millions to vote for the creation of a qualitatively better life for all in areas where we live."

As the leader of the largest and poorest area in Johannesburg, she devoted her time and energy towards addressing the enormous backlogs in the provision of services. Among her biggest achievements in her short term at the helm of the city are repairing the aging water and sewerage pipes in Soweto, the provision of high-mast lighting for informal settlements and the introduction of basic services to communities that have been deprived in the past.

As a leader of rent boycotts during the apartheid era, it was her task to mobilise communities to support democratic local governance structures in the new dispensation.

Throughout her term of office she continued to live at her mother's place in White City, Jabavu, where she grew up.

In an interview with the Sowetan newspaper, shortly after her appointment she said: "I am prepared to face the world as the first citizen of Soweto.
People take Soweto as a slum. Soweto is not a slum and should be compared only to other cities."

More than any other leader before her, Sophie Masite helped to turn perceptions about Soweto around and championed the cause of urban renewal, women empowerment and sustainable development.

Sophie Masite's life was cut short tragically in April 1997 when she died from complications after giving birth to twins.

The modern Johannesburg is a living monument to her spirit of activism and dedication.

In honour of Sophie Masite, the City of Johannesburg together with the Masite family will be hosting a Memorial and Unveiling of Sophie Masite on the 25th of September 2010. The service starts  7:30  at St Paul Anglican Church, Ipelegeng Community Centre – Cnr Phera and Kumalo Streets in White City Jabavu, Soweto.



Issued by:
Nkhensani Makhobela
Spokesperson for the Executive Mayor
City of Johannesburg
Tel: 011 407 7524
Fax: 011 339 5407
Cell: 082 461-7075