Gertrude Shope, an anti-apartheid activist and champion of women’s rights, dedicated her life to the fight for a free, democratic, and just South Africa. Born on August 25, 1925, in Johannesburg, Shope grew up in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), where she completed her schooling and a primary teacher’s course in Salisbury (now Harare).

Returning to South Africa in the mid-1940s, Shope taught at Indaleni Secondary School and Pinville High School before joining the African National Congress (ANC) in 1954 at the age of 29. Her mission was clear: to work toward liberation and a better future for all South Africans.

Shope became a key figure in the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) in 1954 and was instrumental in organizing the historic 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings, where 20,000 women protested apartheid pass laws. Reflecting on the march, she emphasized unity:

“We should remain as united as we were on that particular day… It is not a leader alone who can change the situation—it is the people who support that leader.”

Her activism came at great personal cost. In 1966, she went into exile, joining her husband, Mark Shope, and representing the ANC across Africa and Europe, including Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Czechoslovakia.

Anti-apartheid stalwart and cabinet minister Lindiwe Sisulu hailed Shope as a mentor and one of the ANC’s most courageous women. “She was a stalwart who never slept,” Sisulu said, praising her relentless efforts for women’s recognition in the liberation struggle.

After the ANC’s unbanning in 1990, Shope was elected president of the ANC Women’s League (1991–1993) and later served in Parliament from 1994 to 1999, advocating fiercely for women and children’s rights.

Shope’s contributions were widely recognized. In 1999, Nelson Mandela awarded her the National Order for Meritorious Service. In 2014, she received the ANC’s highest honor, Isitwalandwe/Seaparankwe, for her sacrifices in the fight for freedom.

Gender activist and biographer Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo described Shope as a humble yet firm leader: “She was not in a popularity contest… She aspired to do what needed to be done.”

Shope’s enduring message to future generations was clear: “The coming generation must understand the role played by their mothers and grandmothers.”

Gertrude Shope passed away as a fearless leader whose legacy continues to inspire the fight for justice and equality.